Local music producer, Rodney Sibanda — popularly known as RodneyBeatz (pictured right) in music circles — says Zimdancehall is not a platform for vulgarity, but should be used to convey important messages and ideas in society.
By Nomuzi Mtunzi
RodneyBeatz, who has worked with top musicians such as Cindy Munyavi and Freeman, said it was surprising that some producers allow musicians to sing songs that had an underlying current of vulgarity.
“I believe as a producer, I have the power and the influence to determine the content that is to be put in the song and so do the other producers out there,” said RodneyBeatz.
“Some songs are promoting bad habits, drug abuse and violence. I don’t record that kind of stuff because it won’t benefit me in any way. Instead of making our country a better place, some artists are making it worse with these lyrics.”
RodneyBeatz said since music was a key component within society, it should be used as vessel for development or a tool for discourse on social issues.
“There are many bad things happening in society like women and children being abused, rampant use of drugs, robberies as well as other societal ills that musicians need to address in their singing. However, it seems we are concentrating much on vulgarity at the expense of social issues. Producers should stop producing bad content,” he said.
“My work speaks for itself. I have never produced uncouth music and this is evident in the work that I did with Freeman and Cindy. On Cindy’s album, I did the song Setter Pace, which features Ghanaian artist Sherifa Gunu and Rina, a Malawi artist. My products define who I am.”
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RodneyBeatz is working on a project with Nigerian singer Tony Robinson.
The Marondera-born producer moved to Harare aged 19, having been introduced to the studio by a friend at the of 15.
“When I was 15 years old, a friend introduced me to FL Studio [formerly Fruity Loops]. Without any formal training, I then started using the studio beat-making programme and a few years later, I won three consecutive Battle of the Beat Makers’ championships. Today, I make up the Battle of the Beat Makers’ judging panel,” he said.
RodneyBeatz said he was inspired by producers such as Don Corleon, Notice, Rusian and Not Nice.
“My goal is to go international and make a big name. I want to make my life better and support my family,” he said.
