YESTERYEAR superstars continue to rule the roost in the music industry.
Some who are long gone to the yonder world emerge tops when the issue of quality and superb music is brought up.
Compared to the current crop of musicians, they are miles ahead.
Videos and songs composed by musicians of the 80s and 90s still sound fresh.
The products of this bygone era put to shame recent productions.
Who is not mesmerised by Safirio ‘Mukadota’ Madzikatire and his Katarina video ‘KwaHunyani’ aired on ZTV’s classics?
And one cannot help, but be disappointed by some of the dancehall videos that we are exposed to, after hype created by a song, the accompanying video is usually a damp squib.
The 80s and 90s era brimmed with originality and the unmistakable identity of the musicians.
Simon and Naison Chimbetu of the Marxist Brothers before splitting up were a distinct brand that could not be confused with, for example, Zvishavane Sounds or James Chimombe.
The period presented a crop of musicians that put the country on the international music map.
The musicians sang about day-to-day subjects that affected society and were the voice of the voiceless.
They celebrated and expressed aspirations for their country and fellow Africans.
The music remains relevant decades after it was produced.
The music of the prolific Leonard ‘Musorowenyoka’ Dembo, the inimitable Mukadota, John Chibadura and the crooner James Chimombe, among others, continue to be played and sound as fresh as when it was produced.
The timelessness of their music has led others to describe these musicians as more of ‘prophets’ than singers.
It is music that was created for more than entertainment, it carried fundamental social messages.
Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo once blasted contemporary dancehall musician Winky D for producing ‘bubble gum’ music.
But how different are musicians from the 80s and 90s and contemporary artistes?
What is lacking in contemporary musicians?
It seems a majority of contemporary musicians are bent on creating what Mapfumo referred to as ‘bubble gum music’, it is good, but it does not last.
For instance, the dancehall genre, arguably the most popular at the moment leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to lyrical content.
Musicians in the genre are bent on promoting all sorts of vices, sex and boozing included.
Lyrics in songs such as ‘Gumkum’ by Soul Jah Love and Guspy Warrior’s ‘Seunononga’ distilled are all about promoting promiscuity.
Although there are some like Tocky Vibes and Killer T that are coming up with meaningful lyrics, largely the genre has musicians that are more influenced by a foreign culture, borrowed from Jamaica, than their African culture.
Aping the Jamaican artistes highlights a lack of creativity and originality.
Musicians back in the day were indeed influenced and inspired by fellow artistes from outside the borders, but they did not ape them.
They took what was good and incorporated into their art.
Musicians of the 80s and 90s were passionate and lived for their craft as exhibited by the quality of their works, there was no confusion, but a refreshing clarity in their compositions.
On videos, artistes in the 80s and 90s can be described as truly amazing.
They operated with little technology, but still came up with videos that today remain way ahead in terms of creativity and direction.
Musicians such as the late Mukadota, Fortune Muparutsa and Prince Tendai are good examples of artistes that produced simple, but appealing videos.
Muparutsa one of the pioneers of Urban Grooves accompanied songs such as ‘Wangu Ndega’ with captivating videos.
The likes of John Chibadura, The Four Brothers, Cephas Mashakada, System Tazvida and Biggie Tembo among others, were as original as an artiste could be and never appeared to tire until they departed to the yonder world.
These musicians did not just compete for supremacy, but their talent left the nation richer.
Their powerful and striking lyrics pencilled in moments of awareness and through eyes that saw beyond the moment encouraged the upholding and celebration of good social values at the family and societal level.
But does the departure of these musicians mean that the country will forever be exposed to mediocre products?
The answer is definitely a NO.
It is heartening to note that there are artistes such as Jah Prayzah, Victor Kunonga, Willom Tight, Alick Macheso, Alexio Kawara and Mokoomba that appear to have taken notes from the 80s and 90s.
Their music has a refreshing and inspiring depth that will be useful to future generations.