Zimdancehall: The 'message' in the lyrics

Zimdancehall has become force to reckon with in the Zimbabwe music industry. This genre of music has gained prominence in the country in the last few years and it is now well established and has a large support base especially from the youth. However the ‘message’ in the music has been put under a lot of scrutiny in light of that is it building or destroying us as a society.

Some of the lyrical content in the songs communicates and in a way influences hideous behaviour and in the process eradicating the good morals the society is striving to build especially in the youths. Some of the lyrics glorify drug abuse, violence and sexual immorality. Such tendencies are displayed in videos like “ndinongosimuzda musoro” released by Soul Jah Love which has much explicit lyrics and video content.Another artist Guspy Warrior also released a song praising the use of marijuana otherwise known as mbanje—“tipe chamba timone mone.”Violence is also a common feature emphasized in some of the lyrics of the music for example in the song by ‘Lady B’—"Akunyeyausipo mamisa, akutorera mudiwa wako mamisa” or Beat up anyonetrying to snatch you lover (www.theZimbabwean).

From left to right-Travor Dongo,Shinnsoman,Sir Calas,Knox,Soul Jah Love, Freeman-www/pindula.co.zw

However some of the music in this genre is also known for its hard hitting lyrics which often encompass social commentary on issues like poverty, unemployment and other such issues(mostly on the positive side). Some examples of this music include that of Toki Vibes in his song Toki ‘Toki Aenda nenyika’ were he manages the feat of praising God and bigging up his mother (www.zimbojam.com). Tally B’s ‘Ngavazorore murugare’ which is a reminiscence of the good old days were music fallen heroes ruled the roost (zimmail.co.zw) is also one example of music in this genre that communicates a positive reflection.

All in all it is clear that dancehall as moved from its promotion of social and political consciousness to the elevation and glorification of sexual immorality and violence. Be that as it may be some of it is worth appreciating and listening to.