The Herald (South Africa)

Tale Vybz wants to see ‘all criminals under arrest’

- Herald Reporter

Eastern Cape reggae dance hall artist Tale Vybz is on a mission to rid society of bad people.

The rising star, who recently released a singles collection album, has gained a following among young people and adults alike in Port Elizabeth’s townships for his chants and messages warning criminals of arrest and decrying service delivery ills.

Rising from the sprawling community of Greenbushe­s, Kuyga, Chibhomba — as he has affectiona­tely become known — chides those who prey on the innocent to steal, loot or kill.

The Zimbabwean-born chanter, whose real name is Talent Makiyi, has also been using his lyrics to draw attention to maladminis­tration and corruption in SA.

“To me, all these people are criminals who must be arrested,” the 27-year-old, who describes himself as a “ghetto youth”, said.

“They are using the poor to fatten their pockets.

“That is why my slogan is: ‘Tale Vybz above the rest, all criminals under arrest’.

His song We Are Suffering has become a “ghetto” anthem, while in the tune Kashiri — Little Bird he urges the youth to have patience and learn the good ways from their teachers so they may be better leaders of tomorrow.

“Life in the townships is very hard and it is very easy to end up hooking up with bad people, which leads to self-destructio­n through crime and substance abuse,” Tale Vybz said.

“Our society needs musicians who can interrogat­e the status quo and unravel it to the public through an easily accessible medium.

“Reggae dance hall music, to me, is a vehicle for change — one we can use to educate our youth,” he said.

Chibhomba said he took an active interest in pushing his message through social media platforms.

His latest campaign focuses on educating people to stay safe and follow the government’s regulation­s in the fight against Covid-19.

Watch Tale Vybz on June 27 performing live online in a gig dubbed “Stay Home Stay Safe Party with Tale Vybz” on Facebook on the group “Zimbabwean­s In Port Elizabeth”.

● For more info contact 074-785-3135.

 ??  ?? TOUGH MESSAGE: Greenbushe­s reggae dancehall artist Tale Vybz is on a mission to educate the youth about responsibl­e choices
TOUGH MESSAGE: Greenbushe­s reggae dancehall artist Tale Vybz is on a mission to educate the youth about responsibl­e choices

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