Zimdancehall wars a creation of promoters, fans and DJs

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I just want to thank the editor of this paper for affording me this opportunity to air my views on the violence and discord that has been transpiring

I just want to thank the editor of this paper for affording me this opportunity to air my views on the violence and discord that has been transpiring in the Zimdancehall industry. I hope all those who are part of the Zimdancehall movement will be able to reform and learn a few things from this instalment.

SUNDAY VIEW BY RAS TIRAZ

Zimdancehall has been one of the fastest rising music genres in Zimbabwe. It has also become a source of income and employment for artists, promoters and DJs. However all these artists, promoters and DJs compete for the same market, they all have to please the same fan base.

This has seen most of them implementing strategies that seek to endear them with their fan base. Unfortunately, some, due to desperation, end up implementing unorthodoxy strategies that are destructive, not only to them, but to the whole Zimdancehall fratenity.

I am therefore of the humble opinion that the violence that has been rocking Zimdancehall gigs as well as the physical confrontation that has been ensuing among rival artists has come as a result of an unconscious collective effort by all the players in the Zimdancehall fraternity. Unless there is a paradigm shift from the status quo, the situation is likely to escalate.

The artists are the major culprits. Zimdancehall is one of the genrès where the freedom of expression is given monumental precedence. A big artist can freely compose a song vilifying another artist.

The attacked artist will then respond with a song counter-attacking his/her attacker. Upcoming artists seeking relevance will then bandwagon with one of the two artists, thereby dividing the industry into different rival and hostile camps. Warring parties will then take this rivalry personally.

Physical confrontations among rivals is rampant in the Zimdancehall fratenity. This phenomenon will then be embraced by the fans, who happen to be our next culprits.

The fans divide themselves along the fault lines created by rival artists. Usually people from a certain “ghetto” will support an artist from their neighbourhood.

So if a Dzivarasekwa-based artiste has a feud with a Mbare-based artiste the rivalry will thus be transformed into a Mbare/Dzivarasekwa rivalry. When a show is held at a neutral venue like the city sports Centre artists from Mbare in the spirit of “brotherhood” are likely to throw objects like cans on stage as a form of protest against their “enemy”.

Thus violence erupts.

The promoters will then devise ways to benefit from these feuds. They will then invite rivals for a “clash”. These clashes further promote disunity among rival artists and fans.

Recently, a show dubbed the “sting” was held at the city sports Centre. On the posters, artists could be seen wearing boxing gloves and ironically the show had a theme of unity. It then boggles the mind what unity is promoted through a boxing match.

The show did not end as had been anticipated, violence reared its ugly head and the police had to use teargas to quell the violence. People got injured and if the allegations on social network sites are anything to go by, lives were lost.

Radio DJs support certain artists more than others. Hence, when playing songs a DJ can repeat a brand new song by a certain artist, pause the song, then give some comments. This happens every week. While this is happening, other artists are only played in passing with no comments whatsoever made on their songs.

Some DJs also have a penchant for playing artists from their “ghetto” many times, thereby perpetuating the long-standing rivalry.

The onus is therefore upon every stakeholder in the Zimdancehall fraternity to mount a concerted war against division and violence. Artistes must stop fanning violence through music. Dancehall music is known for spreading one love and peace.

In other countries music is used to denounce social ills. Producers must also refuse to record “diss” music or “murder music”.

The fans must also realise that the ultimate goal of music is entertainment. Fans must not get so emotional to the extent of attacking fans that support artistes they despise. Variety is the spice of life; you cannot despise someone just because he/she does not enjoy what you enjoy.

Promoters must stop benefitting or even funding Zimdancehall wars. Instead of promoting artistes to “clash,” promoters must organise shows were rivals share the stage urging fans not to embrace violence and gangsterism.

Radio DJs must afford every artiste an equal opportunity to shine. It is not the role of a DJ to comment on which songs are good, the fans can be better judges on that aspect.

Once every involved party reforms corporates will start investing and sponsoring Zimdancehall. Reggae music is one of Jamaica’s highest foreign currency earners, likewise our beloved Zimbabwe can benefit from music.

l Ras Tiraz — Punchline Entertainment