Jamaican reggae artists have found a rich nerve in Zimbabwe. This year alone has witnessed an influx of Jamaican Reggae artists coming to entertain and also earn US dollars for their efforts. This month sees Mr Vegas playing in Harare, while December features Red Rat playing in the capital towards Christmas. Why is it all of a sudden reggae has become the in thing in the country? This is evidenced by high turn out of fans at every one of these reggae shows......
Jamaican reggae dancehall artist Red Rat is expected to perform in the capital on December 21 at a show dubbed Red Fox Sting Fest where he is billed to share the stage with another Jamaican artist Jah Cure.
Also coming in the contigent is Jamaican dancehall artist Hawkeye whose real name is Christopher Smith.
Local musicians will provide supporting acts. Robert Zhuwao, Red Fox Pub and Grill director confirmed Red Rat’s visit. “It’s going to be Jah Cure back to back with Red Rat on December 21 but the venue is yet to be decided. Hawkeye is also coming to perform on the same day and we expect a full house. Jah Cure was supposed to visit Zimbabwe last month for the Sanganai/Hlanganani but the tour was cancelled. This time he is definitely coming,” said Zhuwawo.
Red Rat (real name Wallace Wilson) is popularly known for his song Rise up Zimbabwe which became popular last year. Red Rat is a dancehall and reggae recording and performing artist. He was born in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. He is known for his up-beat music, comical style, and signature catch phrase “Oh, No!”
Red Rat’s debut album, Oh, No… It’s Red Rat (1997) featured songs such as Shelly Ann, Dwayne, Tight-up Skirt, Cruise and Big Man, Little Yute. It became one of the best selling records from Greensleeves Records. His second album, I’m a Big Kid Now, followed in 2000, with yet more hits and critical acclaim. His musical diversity and mainstream popularity led to a series of collaborations with artists such as Treach of Naughty by Nature.
Hawkeye, the Officer Arrest Mi hitmaker broke onto the limelight in the mid-90s when he was with the Main Street label. His hypnotic growls have made him a household name in Jamaica. A former chef by profession Hawkeye gave up the oppressive heat of the kitchen for entertainment, a change he does not regret. Born Siccature Alcock, Jah Cure is a reggae musician of note. He was given the nickname by Capleton whom he met while growing up in Kingston.
His first big break came in 1997 when he released the single King in this Jungle which was a duet with Sizzla. The single was produced by Beres Hammond who went on to become his mentor. He then released a steady stream of singles that won him critical and popular acclaim.Red Rat, Jah Cure and Hawkeye follow the footsteps of other Jamaican musicians that have visited the country who include Luciano, Capleton, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Lutan Fyah and recently Fantan Mojah and Cocoa Tea.
No comments:
Post a Comment