Top Zimdancehall songs of 2018

15 Oct 2018 - 15:28

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Zimdancehall music is no doubt the most popular genre amongst the youth of Zimbabwe, having made its way into the country’s high-density suburbs and small towns through the work of artists such as Culture T, Allan Ranks and Dudz. The genre, a compelling mixture of reggae and dancehall music, has recently seen the emergence of top artists like Winky D, Killer T, King Labash, Soul Jah Love, Freeman and Shinsoman.

Zimbabwean dancehall artist Enzo Ishall is known for hit songs such as 'Kanjiva' and 'Handirare Kuden Kwenyu'. Photo: Facebook

The genre is known for its hard-hitting lyrical content, which typically addresses poverty, unemployment and sometimes politics.

Here is Music In Africa's list of some of the top Zimdancehall songs of 2018:

'Kanjiva' by Enzo Ishall

Enzo Ishall is the new name on the Zimdancehall scene. Ishall first gained prominence with 'Kanjiva', a hit that was produced by DJ Tamuka of Chillspot Records. In the song, the artist challenges his fans to come up with their own 'Kanjiva' dance. Like DJ Bongz's "Gwara Gwara" dance, this song has flooded social media platforms, with fans submitting their own routines.

'Sweetie' by Jah Signal

'Sweetie' is a song that encourages daughters-in-law to persevere with their marriages despite the challenges they may be facing. In the song, Jah Signal borrows verses and beats from gospel musician Charles Charamba’s song 'Kana Vanhu Vangu'. Produced by Simplex, the song has taken the music industry by storm, and its music video features the Zimbabwean comedian Mai TT.

'Ndamuda' by Killer T

'Ndamuda' is a love song by one of Zimbabwe’s top dancehall artists, Killer T. The video for the single - taken off his Mashoko Anopfuura album - shot to number one on YouTube's 'trending videos' list for Zimbabwe, and has currently been viewed more than 1.6 million times. The video portrays a man who disapproves of his mother’s advice to let go of the woman he loves.

'Ngirozi' by Winky D

'Ngirozi' is off Winky D’s latest album, Gombwe (2018). Produced by Nafuna TV and directed by Enqore, the song features one of Zimbabwe’s top choral gospel acts in the form of Vabati VaJehova. The song became a hit shortly after the release of the Gombwe album, but its video was met with mixed feelings from music commentators, journalists and fans alike, who argued that the production did not live up to Winky D’s billing. Nevertheless, 'Ngirozi' remains one of the top Zimdancehall songs of 2018.

'Boom Shelele' by Nutty O

"Boom Shelele" was taken off Chillspot Records' Panomana Munhu Riddim. Unlike other artists featured on the compilation, Nutty O gives this song an international feel by employing Jamaican dialects, which has proven to be an alluring feature for many fans of the genre. Produced by Levels, the track has a steady flow and confirms Nutty O's reputation as one of the top Zimdancehall musicians in the country.

'Handirare kuDen Kwenyu Futi' by Enzo Ishall

Enzo Ishall is, indeed, the talk of the town. 'Handirare Kuden Kwenyu' is a song most Zimbabweans can relate to, and is among the reasons Ishall is considered one of the country's best ghetto storytellers. Shot in Harare's high-density suburbs, the video – a piece of social commentary about ghetto life in Zimbabwe – is successful in (at least partially) capturing the lifestyle and experiences of many Zimbabweans.