AWARD winning producer and guitarist, Clive 'Mono' Mukundu, who recently attended The Island Music Conference in Jamaica, says the local Zimdancehall is yet to get international popularity, despite being in existence for more than a decade.
The conference, a hotbed for music industry professionals, tackled a wide range of topics including copyright issues, artist management, the impact of artificial intelligence, songwriting, music scoring, and the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. Mukundu's attendance was facilitated by the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture ministry.
While in Jamaica, Mukundu couldn't help but draw comparisons between Zimbabwe's music scene, particularly Zimdancehall, and the birthplace of reggae and dancehall.
"The only similarity I can draw is between their dancehall and ours, where theirs holds the originality, making it unbeatable. In order for our dancehall artists to excel, they should aim to localize it for Zimbabwe, taking inspiration from what the reggaeton artists have accomplished," he said.
Mukundu further highlighted the limited awareness of Zimdancehall among Jamaicans, contrasting it with the global popularity of Jamaican dancehall.
"Apart from a handful who have visited Zimbabwe, most people are unfamiliar with Zim-dancehall and it has not gained international popularity yet.
"Music from Zimbabwe is rarely played, unlike Nigerian Afro-Beats, which is played by Nigerians and, therefore, considered authentic. It is better to be genuine and innovative than to imitate others," he said.
Mukundu's experience at the Island Music Conference and his insightful observations offer valuable guidance for Zimbabwe's music industry, particularly the burgeoning Zimdancehall scene. By embracing local influences and forging a unique sound, Zimbabwean artists can take their music to the global stage.