December is the month in which Christmas is celebrated.
Usually, how people celebrate Christmas is by exchanging gifts, decorating their homes, celebrating with parades or parties, dedicating prayer, sharing food, drinks and dancing to their favourite music. So, I will begin with Merry Christmas everybody!
However, before we begin these celebrations, let us take time to reflect on, remember and mourn those artistes who left us this year.
At the beginning of 2023, we lost Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, a leading mbira player. She died in January. She was followed by Kelly Rusike, a versatile bass player of the Rusike Brothers and Jazz Invitation in May. Then the shocking news of gospel artist, Diva Mafunga came in July. As if that was not enough, Gibson Mandishona, a leading mathematician, research scientist and jazz musician followed. After that, in a car crash, Garry Mapanzure, a young musician, born in 1998, died on the 13th October, this year.
May their departed souls rest in eternal peace.
In reality, there is no reason to celebrate 2023 given such sad losses, but as the tradition keeps reminding us, the artistes who did well this year have reason to celebrate their successes. Many of them received massive airplay due to their good song-writing prowess. However, there are some who became well-known due to controversial lyrics in their music.
Artistes who made it to the top 30 charts and received massive airplay this year include:
1.Nutty O
Nutty O Di Bwoy, popularly known as Nutty O, born Carrington Simbarashe Chiwadzwa, is a 29 year old Zimbabwean music artist, multiple award winning singer/songwriter independently recording under his brand Ability Xtention (ABX), which symbolises the never ending pursuit of growth. He came to prominence when his Handipere Power hit single caught the ears of millions in 2023.
2.Freeman HKD
The Zimbabwean star and optimist, Emergy Slyvesta Chizanga (Freeman) of the Joina City fame was born on the 22nd of June in 1988 in Bindura as a last born in a family of 6.
His best album to date is Mangoma Ihobho which saw almost every song become a hit and has been followed with a DVD album.
His musical tide has continued to rise and he is now considered among the hottest properties in the Zimdancehall music scene.
- Takura
Known for his frequent collaborations with many other artistes who include Ex Q on One More Time, Takura Tendayi was born in 1991 and has dedicated most of his life to music. In his own right, he has churned out hits which include Wandachuza, Goosebumps and Hazvirewe Rudo Handina. His videos on YouTube have attracted over 17 million views.
4.Jah Prayzah
Mukudzeyi Mukombe (born July 4, 1987), who performs under the name Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and lead member of the band Third Generation.
He is popularly referred to by fans and media as “Musoja”, the Shona word for “soldier”, a name he earned mostly because of his signature band uniform in the past which was military regalia. The name “Jah Prayzah” comes from his name, “Mukudzeyi”, which means “Praise Him”.In 2013 he released his fourth album Tsviriyo and won a NAMA award for song of the Year for the song Gochi Gochi.
In 2014 he released Kumbumura Mhute. In the same year, he won five NAMA Awards and two ZIMA awards.
In 2015 he opened a new studio and released his sixth studio album, Jerusarema.
His most notable work was a collaboration with award-winning Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz on his hit song Watora Mari, which reached over a million views on YouTube in less than a month after its release.
His latest album Chiremerera received massive airplay this year.5. Ishan
Born in Guruve, Ishan spent the majority of his formative years in Mvurwi, where he experienced the vibrant cultural scene and was exposed to various musical influences. His passion for music emerged at a young age, and he nurtured his talent while growing up in Mvurwi. After completing his high school education, Ishan decided to pursue his musical aspirations further and made a significant move to Kadoma. He currently resides in Harare.
One of the defining moments in Ishan's career came with his collaboration song Kure, featuring Ti Gonzi, another talented Zimbabwean artist. The song’s infectious melody and meaningful lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it an instant hit.
From his early works in Zimdancehall to his more recent Afro Fusion releases, Ishan has proved to be a versatile musician.
6.Baba Harare
Baba Harare born Braveman Chizvino on the 22nd December in 1988 is a Zimbabwean jiti musician who used to play the lead guitar for Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation band before he launched a solo career. He leads The City Vibration band and is most known for his 2017 hit song The Reason Why. Massive airplay on some of his latest hits which include Minamato ya Rasta, Ndini Ndinaye, Wandibaya Moyo and Prove Them Wrong, featuring Voltz JT was experienced in 2023.
- Saintfloew (real name, Tawanda Mambo)
The rapper artist from Chitungwiza who in known for churning out controversial songs such as Silas Mavende, Mutemo we Mukombi and Chidhumo na Masendeke received massive airplay in 2023. He also gave massive interviews on drug abuse and how he was working on quitting such a habit. He has thousands of followers. Many of his fans became familiar with his music due to the massive airplay he received in 2023.
8.Garry Mapanzure
Garry who released Novus before he died this year also received massive airplay this year. He still does. Garry, 25, died from serious injuries sustained during a head-on collision on the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway on 13 October.
9.Holy Ten
Born on November 18 in 1998. His hits Ucharamba Uchipisa and Delilah received massive airplay in 2023.
10.ExQ (real name Enock Munhenga) is a musician known for his urban grooves style. He has received massive airplay this year. He became famous in 2000 after releasing his hit song Musalala. Since then, he has released several singles, including Wakatemba, Sweeter, Paya Paya, Pandakakuona, Ndichakutevera, Mazirudo, Tezvara Varamba. and Msikanzwa.
EX-Q has also collaborated with other urban grooves artistes like Roki, Tererai Mugwadi, Stunner, Extra Large, Jah Prayzah, Takura and Holy Ten.
11.Minister Michael Mahendere
Michael Mahendere born 28 May 1983 is a Zimbabwean gospel musician, preacher and businessman. Mahendere is a pastor at United Family International Church (UFI). He rose to prominence after he re-arranged the song, Makanaka Jesu together with the UFI Choir, which became a hit and is also well known for his album, Getting Personal With God II with hits such as Mumoyo.
12.Winky D
The Gaffa president, Wallace Chirumiko aka Winky D has had a big influence on the Zimbabwean music history. This year’s Winky D album, titled Eureka Eureka which featured several other Dancehall and Urban Grooves artistes such as Enzo Ishall, Shingai Shonhiwa, Mwenje Mathole, Holy Ten, Quonfuzed, Saint Floew, Killer T, Anita Jackson, Herman, Poptain, Bazooka, Nutty O, Ex Q., Dr. Chaii and Tocky Vibes received massive airplay on its release. Then the D.J.s in Zimbabwe developed cold feet after being told that the album was critical of the Zanu PF government. However, other platforms such as You Tube, Trace Africa, MTV Base, iTunes, Spotify and other international channels continued to play it.
13.Oliver Mtukudzi
Finally, Oliver Mtukudzi has remained in the charts of 2023 and will continue to do so in future. There are several Tuku songs which are featured each week to remind us how great this artist was and how much influence he still has on our lives. The year 2023 may be coming to an end, but this is not the last we will hear of the great Oliver Mtukudzi. We will continue to hear him sing:
Hear me Lord, help me nowHelp me lord I’m feeling lowHear me Lord, help me nowHelp me lord I’m feeling low
I am down on my kneesHelp me lord I’m feeling lowMe, am down on my kneesHelp me lord I’m feeling low
Oh yeah
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