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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
We have come to a point where fans and critics alike now fully acknowledge that Zim dancehall is the sound of the moment and it will grow bigger before it fades away. It seems like the genre is rising above controversy and fights fuelled by some of its stars. The music was roundly condemned for being so much noise and just being put into the public domain randomly before the musicians have taken time to perfect their work. And the genre’s brand has not been helped by the apparent ease with which almost anyone can just get a riddim and say anything then call it a song.

But the fans who are mostly young people have shown that they can separate the real deal from the wanna-bes.

Beginning of this year several musicians have released albums and the content of their offerings has already separated men from boys in the genre. On most of the albums the musicians have managed to do away from riddims.

According to Wikipedia, riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word “rhythm”, but in calypso, dancehall and reggaeton parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. These genres consist of the riddim plus the “voicing” (vocal part) sung by the deejay.

In some of the albums musicians have managed to bring some interesting sober sounds complementing their rich messages. So far Killer T, Tocky Vibes, King Shady, Snipper, Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz and Yoz have joined the league of Winky D, Guspy Warrior have managed to release albums.

The content of their offerings has also matured with lyrics concentrating on social commentaries instead of mere self-praise and dissing of rivals.

Killer T’s album “Ngoma Ndaimba” has been considered as one of the best albums with rich lyrics with positive messages for the youth. Some of the songs that have been played in most public places are “Timbofara”, “Ita Ndione”, “Bvuma Kutsiurwa”, “Zvandairota”, “Misodzi Yangu” and “Usamanikidza Rudo”.

The musician has managed to pen meaningful songs prompting him to get support from listeners of all ages. He is one of the few artistes that has shown efforts in coming up with an album, doing away with the riddims. He managed to come up with sober sound tracks that complements his messages.

One other artiste who managed to release a meaningful album is Tocky Vibes whose music has been considered as mature. His album “Toti Toti” has managed to separate him from several dancehall musicians who thrive on controversy. The title track, “Usarara Muka” as well as “Hande Tocky” and “Ita Undide” have managed to steal the hearts of many music lovers.

He recorded with live instruments making his offering outstanding though many said he was following in the footsteps of Jah Prayzah. That has earned him respect as his fans felt he has done justice to the genre that needed a different approach.

King Shaddy has never been taken seriously because of his jokes. His album “Endless Ideas” was merely a compilation of singles and it failed to make an impact on the local market despite featuring Jah Prayzah and gospel musician Mathias Mhere.

Soul Jah Love’s “Kuponda Nhamo” proved popular but as it rides on riddims it means that he still remains with the boys and is yet to prove that he is a real musician who can compose proper music. Another dancehall musician who needs to up his game is Seh Calaz whose album “Bhanditi Rebirth” failed to make an impact on the local market. Though it is a fair effort by the musician who tried to give his fans a fresh dimension by evading the riddims it did not work out.

Mbare-bred chanter Kinna will be launching his new album this weekend. It is yet to be seen if he will manage to attain the level that has been set by Tocky Vibes and Killer T. Other dancehall musicians like Yoz of the “Zvidhakwa” fame has failed also to make an impact on the local scene.