IT is Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s wish to see Zimbabwean
artistes raising the country’s flag internationally by showcasing diverse
cultures through their art.
Like any ageing parent, Mukanya wants to nurture the
youngsters to follow in his and another legend, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s
footsteps so that they travel the world. No doubt, these two musicians, who
stuck to their roots, managed to take their music outside the country’s borders
and are celebrated for that.
But unfortunately, the current crop of artistes seems to be
disappointing Mukanya as none of them are up to the task.
In a video shared online this week, Mukanya said
Zimdancehall music for example, was going nowhere as the artistes would never
be able to penetrate the international market. This is simply because they are
trying to imitate Jamaicans and are not good at it, well according to Mukanya.
“Let’s stop taking other people’s things (music) and making
them ours. We leave our culture and start chasing others which is not really
useful,” said a concerned Mukanya in reference to Zimdancehall artistes.
“I heard Oliver Mtukudzi spoke to Tocky Vibes and advised
him to do away with Zimdancehall and he listened. He told him to do things
(music) which will make him known and I’m glad he listened. He should now stick
to it.”
He said if Zimdancehall artistes insist on singing
dancehall, they should consider singing it in Patois so that they become
recognised and competitive internationally.
“If they want to do dancehall, they should do it in Patois.
But most of them (Zimdancehall artistes) don’t know how to sing in Patois. It’s
not like people aren’t allowed to sing other people’s music, but when doing so,
sing in a language that they (owners of music/genre) use so that you’re
recognised internationally.”
Jah Signal, like Tocky Vibes, Mukanya said, should also
deviate from Zimdancehall and give his music an urban grooves vibe like he did
on the Shinga Muroora (Sweetie) song.
“Jah Signal has that song called Muroora. I want to tell
him to continue singing such songs and keep going that direction as he can go
places with that route.
“He must not think he’ll make it with hip hop or dancehall
music. Dancehall won’t take him places as it has its owners (Jamaicans).”
On several occasions, Winky D has been said to have
outshone Jamaican artistes who have performed in Zimbabwe. This, Mukanya said,
was a big joke as one can never compare Winky D with a renowned Jamaican
musician.
“We’ll be laughing when we hear people saying Winky
outshone Beenie Man. These (Beenie Man) are the owners of dancehall so what
will you be talking about when you say Winky outshone Beenie.
“This is quite a joke,” said Mukanya. Chronicle
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