By Gamuchirai Mugadzaweta

THE dancehall genre continues to grow in the country, attracting new players.
One of the latest ‘prophets’ of the genre to release a full album and not the popular singles is Kuwadzana-born chanter Shellington ‘Shellaz’ Mukumbira. The artiste has just dropped a 16-track album, Muridzi weDhanzi.
All the songs on the album are delivered in Shona, tackling various social issues affecting dwellers of the ghetto, especially the youths.
In an interview with Patriot Arts, Shellaz stressed the use of local languages was part of efforts to bring originality to a genre borrowed from Jamaica.
“Some people believe copying prominent artistes would contribute to them becoming known quickly but it is humility and originality that turns one into an icon and a respected artiste,” said Shellaz.
“Musicians also tackle issues that affect the societies in which they live and it is best they deliver their message in the language that the people know, lest the message is lost in translation.”
Music, the artiste said, was not about competition.
“As musicians, we are champions of society’s various causes and every artiste has something different to offer. There is absolutely no need to compete against each other. We are all unique and all our contributions enrich society,” said the chanter.
“All that we must be concerned with is delivering to the best of our ability so that we deliver quality products and not short-change our fans.”
Subjects addressed by the album include the popular theme of love.
Songs with the theme of love include ‘Cinema’.
The song is vibrant, with lyrics conveying the idea of a long sought-after life of happiness. It is incredibly upbeat, and possibly one of the the best tracks on the album.
The track emphasises the importance and support rendered by women, especially as one is engaged in efforts to earn a living. Women are shown to be an integral pillar and key to success.
“Ndikakushaya njuga dzangu dzinorema, rudo rwako rwaita kuti ndisatarise vamwe vasikana,” are some of the lyrics.
‘Tsamba yerudo’ is another love track that extolls the virtues of love as well as the song ‘lso’.
Letter writing is shown to be one of the greatest romantic gestures of all time, especially in this era of modern gadgets where messages have largely become impersonal.
‘Ndoenda newe’ and ‘Akandisiya’ look at the other side of the coin when love turns sour; the heartache, disbelief and shock that comes with the breaking down of a relationship.
With cases of divorce on the increase, Shellaz gives advice that is worth considering for those who seriously want to stay in their marriages.
The tracks encourage people not to be involved in extra-marital affairs but be content with their relationships and solve inevitable problems amicably.
The tracks ‘Spare wheel’ and ‘Ayehwa ndoenda’ pay tribute to all mothers working hard to ensure their children get the best out life.
Mothers are shown to be integral in the building of a thriving society, their teachings are part of lessons that shape individuals to be responsible citizens.
This is definitely not a ‘bubble-gum’ album. The messages it carries are heartfelt with many emanating from personal experiences.
Muridzi wedhanzi is more than about bragging rights; it is an album by an artiste in the midst of chaos, playing his part to answer some very serious questions regarding survival.
The chanter has given all his attention to the problems and aspirations in his community in this offering.
The more one listens to it, the more one picks some tiny details that make this 16-track album a gripping production.
The album is a mixed bag of compositions with instrumentation variation which removes monotony. Some dancehall musicians have failed dismally in the instruments department.
This is a powerful and thoughtful album; it is easy to understand the messages on the tracks.
The lyrics are clear and not vague. People will immediately connect with the messages and relate to the situations being sung about.
This album is an interesting production worth listening to; it has a true and heartfelt message behind it.