adminMaria Chiguvari
ZIMDANCEHALL star, Enzo Ishall, says Zimbabwe is lagging behind when it comes to originality of music produced locally.
In an interview with H-Metro, Enzo said artists need to own their roots in order for them to make it big internationally.
“I think it’s because of the lack of originality, an artist has to create his/her own style that defines you and stick to it till it breaks into international markets.
“In Zimbabwe, we had Tuku and Mapfumo, who were popular outside the country, because they created a sound and never diverted from that Zim flavour that is yearned for by people out there.”
Enzo’s remarks come at a time when some people have been saying he sings bubble gum music.
They claim Enzo’s music will not last due to lack of authenticity.
But, he said Zimdancehall was here to stay.
“Our work has stood the test of time, it’s close to a decade now of Zimdancehall rocking the streets and airwaves and also topping radio charts.
“Consider also how the so called ‘bubblegum’ music has the pull factor and it’s evident in the number of various shows the artists hold on a weekly basis.
“Music is dynamic, it shifts and never remains the same after a few years or more a new wave comes through and it’s the nature of things,” he said.
Speaking on the issue of record labels, Enzo said Zimbabwe doesn’t have labels that match the international level.
“I believe we do have them but might not match international standards, I think we just have to accept that every sector doesn’t operate at the same scale of its counterparts in flourishing economies,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge