THE arts community has scored a first by penning a book that profiles local artists and producers who have made strides in the local Zim dancehall industry.
Titled “Zim dancehall Made Me,” the book written and published by Harare based author Paul Sibanda was launched at Chill Spot Records in Mbare, Harare, on Tuesday. The book is expected to hit the shelves of local bookshops soon.
According to Sibanda, the book also touches on the future of the music genre.
“My definition of success with regards to Zim dancehall is based on the outcome of the genre itself, positive financial changes on the lives of artists and producers, radio airplay and public response…lastly, the fact that the genre crossed Zimbabwe’s borders into neighbouring countries and overseas,” Sibanda told EnterSportNews.
“The book is historical, educational and inspirational. Its objective is to preserve, educate, and inspire young people to identify their gifts or talents and follow their dreams.”
The author also singled out contributions from famous Zim dancehall musician Caleb’ Ras Caleb’ Tareka and producer Arnold’ DJ Fantan’ Kamudyariwa.
“It took me about seven months writing the book and a year to get it out. I focused mainly on the musical aspect of the artists and producers and a little of their business and social life,” he said.
“I also did mention a few negatives, but my focus was mainly on the positives of the involved.”
Zim dancehall is a subgenre of reggae and dancehall music from Zimbabwe and has over the past years gained more popularity owing to the fall of the Urban Grooves genre.
The 206-paged book features 50 artists and producers, namely; Soul Jah Love, Empress Shelly, Ras Pompy, Freeman, Hwindi President, Seh Calaz, Blot, Lady Squanda, Kinnah, Daruler, Tocky Vibes, Ninja Lipsy, PTK, Killer T, Shinsoman, Sniper Storm, Winky D, Cello Culture, Oskid, Bounty Lisa, Ras Caleb, Ninja Kabidha, Tipsy, Levelz, Crystal, Jah Master, Guspy Warrior, Jusa Dementor, Silent Killer, Jah Signal, Major E, Buffalo Souljah, Enzo Ishal, Dadza D, King Shaddy, Cymplex Music ZW, Lindsay, Qounfuzed, Fantan, Maffcat, Nutty O, Queen Kadjah, Dobba Don, Empress Massina, Juwela, Mic Inity, Shelthang, Trinta, King Labash and Chillspot Records.
Ras Caleb applauded the author for coming up with the book, which he describes as an initiative that many did not think about.
“It is moves like these that will immortalise Zim dancehall, the most fought genre in Zimbabwe. This book shows how deep the genre is and the level of inspiration and influence that it has had on people,” Ras Caleb said.
“This is also a handbook that will teach the next generation on how to make it and survive in the music business.”
Sibanda, a Christian historian and speaker, was born and bred in Famona, Bulawayo. He recently relocated from Johannesburg, South Africa, and is now based in Harare.
He has written and published two other books namely; God’s grace to our African race – A brief history and heritage of Black Adventism in the United States of America and Southern Africa, Vol.1 (2020) – Second Edition (2021); and Clearing The Air (2021).
Ras Caleb adds that the newly launched book is uplifting even to the artists, producers, and promoters mentioned because it is a form of recognition for its contribution to the Zimbabwean music industry.
Sibanda emphasises that the theme “Zim Dancehall Made Me” came about after taking cognisance that the black community has not yet cultivated the culture of documenting history in black and white.
“After considering the great impact the Zim dancehall industry has made. I could not ignore its positive impact on the ghetto youths, so I decided to go for it. In short, I can say it was an inspiration from God,” added Sibanda.
However, Sibanda concludes that Zim dancehall lost its momentum, but it is not dead. However, its future can be bright if artistes and producers cease being money-oriented at the expense of good quality music. If current artists focus more on writing quality music that will attract money, then Zimdancehall has a promising future.
*To contact a copy of the book, contact Paul Sibanda on (WhatsApp) +27 74 330 8573 or call on +26378 526 3505 Or Ras Caleb or Fantan at Chillspot Records.
