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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwe is packed with talent and musicians are certainly dominating the arts fraternity.
This narrows it down to Zim dancehall, a genre that is fast growing and is now the most vibrant on the local scene.
While, the most popular dancehall artistes hail from Harare, non-Hararians feel they are equally competitive although they are not getting as much attention.
Upcoming dancehall artiste Rugare  Mangombe (21) aka Ruggar Massive is one such artiste. After being mistaken for a Mbare “youth” in most of his performances at dancehall shows, he has set up a studio in his Norton base.

It is called Westside and was derived from Mashonaland West Province.
“This is among the first affordable studios for upcoming artistes in Norton. We call ourselves the Prophets, a sect of the Rastafarians that is out to spread positivity among the people,” he said.
By fixing his problem, Ruggar Massive has created a talent hub for upcoming artistes from Norton, Chegutu, Battlefields and surrounding areas.

Mr Lee – “Introduction Riddim”
Westside producer, Lintel Chowawa aka Mr Lee believes that local riddims (dancehall instrumentals) have dominated the dancehall scene. He said the days of scrambling to get recognition on Jamaican riddims were over.

“Local producers are getting more creative and bringing fresh ideas on the table. This is because we are producing riddims that are relevant to us. While international riddims were good, they would always be outdated by the time they reached our shores. With local producers, you have something fresh every day,” he said.

The youthful producer has since created a riddim called “Introduction”.  Artistes like Druda Nice from Shamva, Boy Talent from Chegutu and Madman have since featured on it.

Flipper T – “Ndiri Mambo”
Miguel Tsungano, otherwise known as Flipper T is on to something with his single entitled “Ndiri Mambo”.
Unlike upcoming musicians whose music has similarities with established artistes, the 15-year-old presents a different style.

His act can be likened to that of the late Jamaican  artiste Copper Cat of the “Bicycle” fame.
However, it is disappointing how he condones violence when he throws “Ini vanondiziva kuti ndiri murasta ndinokuclapa” (they know I’m a ratsa and will clap you).

He, however, keeps the lyrics clean and positive in songs “Education is Key”, “Internal Part” and “Welcome to Prophets” a song that introduces his youthful clan onto the scene.

Dr Vee –  “Vaudze”
Dr Vee, real name Ronald Chiutsi, is one of the few artistes who are not in denial about the violence that continues to mar the genre. He, however, tries to flip the script with inspirational songs like “Ramba Uchishingirira” that addresses family feuds. Another song to look out for is “Vavengi” is equally pleasant because of his vocals.

“My music is set to change the way people view Zim dancehall music. Violence doesn’t pay and while we have the people’s attention, it is only wise to spread positivity,” he said.

Spaca D – “Ndiri Mfana We muNorton”
Another product of Westside Studio is talented chanter, Tatenda (Spaca D) Meza. The 15-year-old is proud of his home town and expresses it in a song entitled “Ndiri Mfana We muNorton”. He also feels that it is a matter of time until its residents dominate in the entertainment industry.

Adzoman – “Bye Bye Sarai”
Self evaluation is important although musicians are known to go overboard and begin to brag about their achievements. Admire “Adzoman” Kaunda straddles on the border in a song entitled ‘Bye Bye Sarai”.

“I am at another level in my career and this song is setting the record straight to haters and people who are in the habit of discouraging others,” he said.
“Vari Kutadza KuBeliever”, the youngster is celebrating his success that people are failing to stomach.