They say if you arrive in Harare and spend hours without hearing the sound of Zimdancehall then you have not arrived. This is a testimony of the impact and frenzy that has been created by the music genre whose inspiration is Jamaican dancehall. Over the past two years Zimbabwe has seen a serious proliferation of dancehall artists in every neighbourhood across cities, with studios also mushrooming everywhere solely to record and promote one music style.
"Batai munhu!' Had heard this statement and didnt know it was a song until we saw the crowd respond in unison. First time to see Sulumani Chimbetu and it was impressive and he certainly lived up to the hype. He was joined on stage by Allan Chimbetu. He is part of the Big Five of Zimbabwe music which feature Alick Macheso, Oliver Mutukdzi, Winky D, and Charles Charamba.
Last year Winky D made his debut at HIFA at the Coca Cola Green. This year he was a much anticipated act. Judging by the celebrities at the show the show was very much anticipated. All the 'Ninjaz' came out to see Big Man as he is affectionately known.
This year the Coca Cola Green was not as busy but the acts that did perform did not fail to impress. There was Bkay & Kazz, Winky D and Macintosh.
I was at the Winky D concert during HIFA and who was there standing right next to me, Hamilton Masakadza. I took a few pics and then went up to him. I had met Hamilton on three different occasions, first time in Rosebank, I just stopped him in the mall and he was game to chat. Then again with an acquaintance who went to school with him. So when I went up to him and greeted him these was our little conversation.
PV: Ndeipi Mudhara (Whats man)
HM: Ndeipi indava kusabatika (Whats up? Long time no see!)
