CHILLSPOT 10th ANNIVERSARY: Watch Out For New Names

– DJ Fantan, Chipaz Promise ‘Surprise Packages’

– Tight Security Over Fears Of Oversubscription

By Daniel Kachere

It is a tradition in Zim dancehall that every few years a new crop of talent emerges to disrupt the industry, often taking the genre a level up.


Who can forget the reign of Badman, King Shaddy, Sniper Storm, Dadza D, Ricky Fire, Mic Inity and King Labash among others who ran the dancehall scene like they would be the last to do so.


Before them, sound systems – expert deejays that juggled vinyl and later CDs had laid the Zim dancehall foundation led by the likes of Jah B (William Sinclair) of Stereo One, Mbare’s Silverstone, Highfield’s Rough Neck, Glen Norah’s Alkebulani, Chitungwiza’s African Exodus, Bronx International, Sweet Ebony and Small Axe.


Selectors such as Issacha, General Bernard, Mad Minox, Farai Shambare, Major E, Booker T, Shaggy and Goddie Banton may not be as popular in today’s Zim dancehall, but they laid the bricks on which an entire genre is built.

When the likes of Guspy Warrior emerged with his monster hit, 31 October, all thought he would be king forever as Winky D was momentarily overshadowed but alas – there came along other superstars. The likes of Shinsoman had their time in the stars and so did Lady Squanda, Ninja Lipsy, DaRuler and even Ras Pompy.


One hit wonders like Dobba Don and Boom Beto got a crack at it while the likes of Tocky Vibes, Killer T, Freeman, Hwindi President, Seh Calaz and Jah Signal have held on despite massive competition from the likes of Enzo Ishall, Nutty O, Poptain, Jah Master and Bazooka.


So while a multi-genre line-up has been put together for the Harare Gardens gig featuring hip-hop artists, ma helmet, urban groovers, radio DJs, club DJs, MCs and even socialites like Passion Java – it is the new names that true music lovers must watch out for.

While the likes of Jah Nozzi are already household names in ghettos like Mbare – he is yet to be tested on the big stage. And as he gets his 15 or so minutes on Saturday – he will be leading a team of hungry young chanters that Chillspot Records and Chipaz have decided to give an opportunity.
Cantol Man, Nice Killer, Monyarous, Ginna Marrina, Magic, Phinx Attah, Likkle Art, Tanya, Masendeke and Supper Fire are among the unknown names but rising ghetto stars hoping to be the next Winky D or Soul Jah Love, the next Seh Calaz or Nutty O.


“We are excited because it has been a while since we hosted a gig of our own since the pandemic (Covid-19) hit our industry hard,” said DJ Fantan ahead of the Saturday gig.


The controversial music producer, hype man and entrepreneur whose journey out of poverty is well-documented, said as Chillspot Family they were excited to be unleashing new names after two years.


“As you might be aware, it has been a while since we brought out new voices, new names, new faces. This is it, this is the time and people are going to see them – some for the first time at the Harare Gardens gig.

“Tinevapfanha vanyowani varikupisa muma streets (we have fresh talent that has taken the streets by storm). Music fans that are coming to the event are in for a treat because they are coming to witness the breakthrough of these youngsters,” said DJ Fantan, adding, “So by the time we do City Ngoma in August (City Sports Centre show held during the Agricultural Show every year) – these will be the new voices, the new stars.”


Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz promotions echoed the same sentiments, saying he now understood Zim dancehall and knows that people are hungry for new heroes.


“It is a mixed bag, of course, but we are prepared for any eventuality. We have been doing events long enough to understand exactly what we need to do which is why we advertised so aggressively and will ensure that there is adequate security at the venue,” said Chimbodza. Nhau/Indaba

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