By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
At the turn of millennium in 2000 there emerged a new sound in Zimbabwe.
The sound had interpolations of other genres that include American RnB, soul and hip-hop to mention a few.
As the genre grew in popularity and so did the new stars among them Roki, Stunner, ExQ, 2BG, Extra Large, Ngoni Kambarami, Trevor Dongo, Maskiri, Plaxedes Wenyika, Roy & Royce, Shame & Nathan Mafriq, Tererai Mugwadi, DJ Tamuka, Nesto, Shinsoman, Decibel and Nasty Trixx.
So popular was genre that at the time the government came up with the 75 percent local content drive which exposed several talented musicians who otherwise would not have made it on the airwaves.
While the majority of records or rather productions released at the time were half baked it did not matter because there was huge demand for local content on the airwaves.
A few of these names sort of went into oblivion while others were on and off and some fell by the way side.
The one good thing is that a good number of urban grooves artists are coming back to reclaim their stake in the music.
And with promoters like Kayse Connect, urban grooves revival is on the cards starting with a gig planned for 17 June 2023 at 23 Kenny Road in Avondale.
There, some of the yesteryear and current big names in urban grooves are billed to perform.
The gig will act as a big reunion for the artists who once dominated the airwaves and made names for themselves.
And in true urban grooves, all the artists will perform on one stage in one night.
So, music lovers will be spoilt for choice as each of the performing artiste will give their best in music and dance.
One only hopes there will be many more such shows in future. Gates open at 5pm, this is not to be missed!
About Author
