THE tectonic plates of Zimbabwean music have shifted over the past five years and set the industry on a very dynamic course dominated by a new breed of artists who continue to dare critics and defy competition.
Since stepping onto the scene, musos like Trevor Dongo, Winky D, Stunner, Leonard Mapfumo, Nox, Maskiri, Roki, ExQ, and Mudiwa have kept rolling, winning acclaim home and away.
Recently, some of the new kids wowed crowds in the UK during two separate tours dubbed ‘The Four Kings Tour’ and ‘Urban Grooves UK Takeover,’ respectively.
The excursions ended in resounding success for the artists, most of them Urban Groovers, who are increasingly gaining traction on both the domestic and international arenas.
Often branded American wannabes, Bubble gum musicians, Jamaican imitators and all sorts, artists like Dongo, Maskiri continue to shame critics with hits that most local radio stations find irresistible.
With New Year top song competitions across radio stations and television, those who could speak by voting spoke.
The winner of the year was Trevor Dongo of Ndashamisika fame, who grabbed top spots at PowerFM, StarFM and ZimNet radio.
Speaking to Newzimbabwe.com during the UK Takeover tour that also featured Mapfumo, Maskiri and producer MacDee, Dongo said he was “sweetly surprised” that he was dominating the charts.
‘Wow! Ndashamisika number 1 again on Zimnet Radio's Top 100 Songs of the Year, Am truly speechless... Song of the Year 3 times; PowerFM, StarFm, and Zimnet Radio,” Dongo said. “Thank you all my true fans for the support you are giving me, God bless!"
Dongo’s producer MacDee said: “As if StarFM is not enough, our King of RnB has done it again. Ndashamisika; congratulations young man.”
Nox Guni, whose Ndinonyara hit was voted number 11 on PowerFM’s 2012 top 100 charts, also congratulated his colleague.
Also celebrating from the UK was Roki who snatched second position in the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) video category with his song Dandaro feat. MC Chita.
Flem B won ZBC’s most popular video for 2012 with the top 5 videos as follows:
1. Flem B- Ndichamutambira
2. Roki ft Mc Chita – Dandaro
3. Nox – Ndinonyara
4. Goodchild – Shuwa
5. Sniper - Love yemusoja