ZIM Dancehall prodigy Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda has urged local radio stations to stop inciting violence among the genre’s musicians through programmes in which they do comparisons of the artistes.
BY ARTS REPORTER
Addressing issues that included alleged rampant drug abuse and reckless lyrical content among the chanters, Banda — who was adjudged the genre’s best manager at this year’s Zimdancehall Awards — said such radio programmes defeated the purpose of unity through music and “inadvertently makes a bad situation worse”.
“Certain radio DJs have played sessions that have often idolised or glorified violence through clashing of camps on radio sessions,” Banda said in a statement.
“This is hypocritical because violence in such instances is not just being played on stage, but is being given a lot of airplay on radio where even those who can’t afford the live shows or go to ‘dance halls’ are then influenced by it.”
He also took a jab at other artistes who claimed that Zimdancehall influenced and justified aggressive and expletive lyrics.
“While some artistes who sing of these ills argue that whatever they are singing is a reflection of their reality, this appears to maintain that all being done is creating an atmosphere in which brutality becomes normal,” he said.
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“One question I hereby pose is whether this is a true reflection of what Zimdancehall is all about and whether these are the true ambassadors of the genre.”
Winky D is known for his socially constructive lyrics and has awards to show for it, attracting criticism in the confines of the genre.
The Zimdancehall Sting Concert held late last year culminated in massive violence, endangering thousands present at the event.
