When Tocky Vibes made it to the limelight sounding like the voice of reason in the runaway genre of Zimdancehall, it looked as if he would not last six months.
Report by Silence Charumbira | Entertainment Reporter
The young artiste who has made it to political rallies and church services due to his packaging of sober messages suffered a lot of resistance with hardliners calling for his head.
At some gigs he was even booed off the stage and chased out of venues because his messages somewhat diluted the “crude dancehall concentrate” that had taken the scene by storm.
While the dictates prescribed sex, drugs, and violence in the lyricism of dancehall, he came in a “churchish” artiste; maybe because of his close relationship with Winky D who has shifted from the “dirty music” to progressive messages.
Yet like any other Zimdancehall artiste, from Freeman to Shinsoman and even Soul Jah Love, many perceived he would only last a fraction of a year.
Of all three mentioned above, the one who may have enjoyed the longest period at the peak could have only lasted six months or slightly more.
Yet this new youngster; aloof as he appears remains a darling a year after stepping into the limelight.
When many could have been predicting his ushering into the dungeons of the bygone he has emerged even stronger and raring to go.
Just last week the social networks were abuzz with pictures of the musician’s performance in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The venue, unlike some that many Zimbabweans perform in when they tour other countries was rather huge and packed to the brim.
Nkuli Dube, daughter to the late reggae legend Lucky Dube, who is a force to reckon with on the South African scene, had to play the supporting act for the humble youth.
According to Hillary Matake, the organiser of the gig in Johannesburg last week the gig was the best attended for any dancehall artiste.
“It was out of this world my brother. It was on a Thursday and you can imagine people
getting into such a performance until sunrise just before they go to work. This was also his first performance outside Zimbabwe and the venue that has a carrying capacity of 1 800 people ended up having 2 000 people,” said Matake.
“The gates had to be closed at 11pm and instead of the ZAR150 gate charge some came offering even higher figures just to get a glimpse of the young artiste. He was also the first Zimbabwean artiste according to my knowledge to have his performance live of YFM a station with a staggering 3 million listeners.
“The show had up to 2 million listeners the whole night and that is proof the young man is just out of this world.”
The energetic artiste should, however, be hoping to have the same fortunes as he had across the Limpopo tomorrow when he performs at his 21st birthday bash at the Zanu PF Headquarters.
For the weekend gig he performs alongside a host of Zimdancehall artistes that include Ninja Lipsy, Kinnah, Seh Calaz, Freeman, DJ Smiley and Templeman among others.
Apart from this gig, the young artiste is also billed to perform alongside Oliver Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah next weekend at the Chitungiwza Aquatic Complex while he will be rubbing with Mzansi’s finest Mafikizolo on December 19 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Alexio Kawara and Tuku will also feature at the HICC gig.
He is just 21, has revolutionised Zimdancehall, has conquered Zimbabwe, has left South Africa clamouring for more and has even charmed clergymen with his sober music; only the sky can be the limit.
Report by Silence Charumbira | Entertainment Reporter
The young artiste who has made it to political rallies and church services due to his packaging of sober messages suffered a lot of resistance with hardliners calling for his head.
At some gigs he was even booed off the stage and chased out of venues because his messages somewhat diluted the “crude dancehall concentrate” that had taken the scene by storm.
 |
| Tocky Vibes the 2014 voice of reason. |
Yet like any other Zimdancehall artiste, from Freeman to Shinsoman and even Soul Jah Love, many perceived he would only last a fraction of a year.
Of all three mentioned above, the one who may have enjoyed the longest period at the peak could have only lasted six months or slightly more.
Yet this new youngster; aloof as he appears remains a darling a year after stepping into the limelight.
When many could have been predicting his ushering into the dungeons of the bygone he has emerged even stronger and raring to go.
Just last week the social networks were abuzz with pictures of the musician’s performance in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The venue, unlike some that many Zimbabweans perform in when they tour other countries was rather huge and packed to the brim.
Nkuli Dube, daughter to the late reggae legend Lucky Dube, who is a force to reckon with on the South African scene, had to play the supporting act for the humble youth.
According to Hillary Matake, the organiser of the gig in Johannesburg last week the gig was the best attended for any dancehall artiste.
“It was out of this world my brother. It was on a Thursday and you can imagine people
getting into such a performance until sunrise just before they go to work. This was also his first performance outside Zimbabwe and the venue that has a carrying capacity of 1 800 people ended up having 2 000 people,” said Matake.
“The gates had to be closed at 11pm and instead of the ZAR150 gate charge some came offering even higher figures just to get a glimpse of the young artiste. He was also the first Zimbabwean artiste according to my knowledge to have his performance live of YFM a station with a staggering 3 million listeners.
“The show had up to 2 million listeners the whole night and that is proof the young man is just out of this world.”
The energetic artiste should, however, be hoping to have the same fortunes as he had across the Limpopo tomorrow when he performs at his 21st birthday bash at the Zanu PF Headquarters.
For the weekend gig he performs alongside a host of Zimdancehall artistes that include Ninja Lipsy, Kinnah, Seh Calaz, Freeman, DJ Smiley and Templeman among others.
Apart from this gig, the young artiste is also billed to perform alongside Oliver Mtukudzi and Jah Prayzah next weekend at the Chitungiwza Aquatic Complex while he will be rubbing with Mzansi’s finest Mafikizolo on December 19 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Alexio Kawara and Tuku will also feature at the HICC gig.
He is just 21, has revolutionised Zimdancehall, has conquered Zimbabwe, has left South Africa clamouring for more and has even charmed clergymen with his sober music; only the sky can be the limit.
