Winky D, Tuku stand before the presence of God
BEFORE a single voice cracks in new song Panorwadza Moyo by Zimbabwean Dancehall King Winky D and grandmaster Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, a waft of a cold deathly air engulfs the listener. The opening of the track encapsulates the journey one has ahead of them. The lines of Tuku’s guitar drop and the guitar gives a deathly familiar cry. It is a weeping we have heard in tracks like Mabasa, but more profoundly in this nature, it is a weep that characterised the tearful Neria. And it comes to haunt us again — 23 years after it was first released on the track Neria in 1993.
And the subject is as relevant as ever in a nation that is losing its most productive generation at the hands of premature death in the face of disease and poverty. Death is almost every Zimbabwean’s next of kin.
Panorwadza Moyo (where the heart aches), is a track that says Zimdancehall, Winky D, and indeed the entire music industry in Zimbabwe has arrived and asserted its place as a vehicle, not only for entertainment in the nation and beyond, but also to take profound messages to the people. And in this case to God himself.
Tuku and Winky D take the brave trek into the Holy S anc tua r y to confront God and ask pertinent questions. “Why do you take us down this road – this valley of death? Through this path of death and gloom? Why are we losing our fathers, brothers, sisters and grandparents while on the other hand, there is not one new life to replace them?”
The two stand their ground, fi rm and unnerved, asking sharp piercing questions of the divine. It takes heart wrenching tragedy to push man to the limits of questioning their God’s intentions and this is what Tuku and Winky D are faced with.
Broken to the world for the first time on Star FM’s rate it or hate it yesterday, anchor Nicola “Nikki” Dora could not help but admit that the radio station was inundated with messages on Twitter declaring the obvious. The song had hit the right chords and touched the pulse of a nation and was in sync with the people’s emotions.
It may be music, but it’s not a game anymore. While there may be other duets gunning for titles in the duet of the year category at various awards – Jah Prayzah and Diamond Platnumz, Tytan and Ammara’s Mukoko and other tracks — the maturity, planning and sheer genius in the layout of this track may just guillotine the strength of the competition. What better voice to sing about death than that of Oliver Mtukudzi? His voice is gravelly in this effort. As if he has a capsule of grit and sand in his voice box. It crackles and cries along to the harmony. His voice sounds like broken glass. Like death. Graveyards are becoming like a regular destination, the duo mourn. As if they are places where we have placed animal traps where we regularly visit to find out whether we have any catch. Profound imagery that will leave the listener spellbound. And here, in front of God, with their guitars hung on their backs, Tuku and Winky D make their case and demand answers.
And when they finish with their last note of the song, with their last question to their God, He is bound to look down and quietly, He weeps.
Touching, profound, evil genius. —@zimrobbie
ZITF Show Grounds THE Police Commissioner-General’s Funfair takes place tomorrow afternoon with entertainment being provided by Sandra Ndebele, Iyasa, Jeys Marabini and Clement Magwaza.
Hope Centre A joint comedy and poetry slam dubbed “A Thousand Thoughts, A Thousand Laughs” will be held tomorrow to raise funds for pre-term babies.
BAC Leisure DJ Dash Zimbabwe will tonight headline the “Black and Red Ladies Night Out” where he’ll be supported by DJs Frostie, Tick Tock and Vulcan. Tomorrow DJs Van and Slam will lock horns during the “Saturday Live”. They will be supported by DJs Vulcan, Tick Tock and Nospa.
Katso Sports Bar Tonight it’s “Woza Friday” with DJ Mgoe. Tomorrow DJ Mgoe returns as she hosts the “Mix with Mgoe”. She will be joined by guest DJ Finch. On Sunday it’s the “Old School back to back with Old School music” with DJ Lamza. Club Eden (Ascot Racecourse) Resident DJs Kananjo, Keezy and Slamma will tonight host the “Pop Fridays”. The trio return tomorrow to celebrate part one of Beaster’s Birthday.
Cresta Churchill Tonight it’s “Jazz Night” with the Friends Band serenading patrons. On Sunday Prosper Tshuma and the Smart Band will take over.
Luveve Industrial Site Over 20 DJs will battle it out at the Chronicles of House Nations Summer Garage Festival tomorrow.
Horizon Night Club The club hosts “Stay Fresh Saturdays” tomorrow incorporating Maka’s birthday party with a Varsity/ Colleges Welcome back party. Black Troop DJs on rotation all night. Private Lounge The club’s alluring dancers will continue entertaining revellers with DJs Sweeto, Tawaz and Delroy on the decks. Nketa 8 Sports Bar A “Ladies Night” with DJ Tshola is on tonight. DJ Tshola and Henrix will be on rotation as the joint welcomes summer. On Sunday, it’s the “All New Jazz and Local Chill Zone” for the mature with DJ Henrix.
New Emagumeni Sports Bar Tonight the ever bubbly MaTing Ting hosts “Ladies Night”. DJ DNcie Mavala will entertain revellers tomorrow and Sunday for the “Stokvel Night”.
T-Junction Sports Bar (New Lobengula) The “Funky Friday” party sessions are on tonight with resident DJs Mavesto, Houzen and Buthoz on rotation. The resident DJs will be back tomorrow for the “Kasi Vibez” and “Kasi Flavour Nights”. On Sunday it’s the “Old School Party” session with resident DJs.
The Lounge DJs Jaiza and Keezy will host the “Weekend Warm up party tonight” with a mix of old and new songs from various genres. DJs Jaiza and Cris Rocx will take over tomorrow. Iyasa will combine with DJs Kananjo and Jaiza to provide the best in African music and dance on Sunday night. Ace Lounge DJ Khumz will entertain revellers alongside New Age dance group tonight. Khumz returns tomorrow but with Hlokoloza dance group. Bulawayo Queens and DJ Simple Studio will entertain revellers on Sunday.