Ras Caleb strikes ‘gold’ with ZiG ‘money’

REGGAE and Zimdancehall chanter Ras Caleb is urging his fellow musicians to sing about important national issues and use their music to educate the public.

This comes after Ras Caleb received a car and cash prize for his song Zig Mari, which promotes the country's new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, introduced by the new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mushayavanhu.

While some economists doubt the ZiG's success, Ras Caleb's song appears to be a hit with the government. Zanu PF loyalist, Wicknell Chivayo, known for his recent spending on party-affiliated artistes, awarded Ras Caleb with a brand new Toyota Aqua and $2 000 for his promotional efforts.

Ras Caleb expressed his gratitude for the recognition and explained the inspiration behind Zig Mari.

"It feels good to be recognised and you can't feel anything, but gratitude,” he said. "Well, 'Zig Mari' came about last week as a result of a conversation we were having with Dj Fantan."

"Like a joke, we drove to the studio and put it together. The words kind of came naturally, same as the beat. It was like a magic moment."

The artist broke into the music industry with his runaway hit song,

Tokwe Mukosi, which was dedicated to those who lost lives and property due to the floods that affected the area a decade ago.

Despite not bagging corporate endorsements with Tokwe Mukosi, Ras Caleb said fellow artists should educate the nation by singing about national and topical issues.

"Tokwe Mukosi was my breakthrough song, and I didn't get any financial benefit from it, however, I became popular and could get shows, and that was an achievement and a stepping stone to my career," he said.

"My message to fellow artistes, especially the upcoming ones, is: support your country, teach, and preach positive music so we can have a better society full of ambitious, drug-free youth."