IGNORE HELMETS AT YOUR OWN PERIL
Helmets is a colloquial name for Hardcore dance-hall from Zimbabwe which is currently a niche sound but have been around for some time.In the early 2000s saw the emergency of artists like Sniper Storm,King Labash,Guspy warrior, Dadza D and Winky-D who were Hardcore dancehall artists. Songs like Ndakabata Mic, Prince of fire,Ngunzu, Godo,Rokesheni ,Vanoda Kutema Rasta,Handivakwate Ava,Mubobobo and but not limited to Dzichiripwere were hardcore dance-hall. These artists made an effort to make the sound acceptable by using Shona lyrics instead of English or specifically Jamaican Patois but didn't last longer in their endeavor as a more pop like version in the name of ZimDancehall came and over-shadow that bit light which local hardcore dance-hall was shining.
In an effort to reach and appeal to a wider audience around 2011 saw a lot of local dance-hall artists dump the hardcore sound and prefer a lighter version without Jamaican traits now popularly known as ZimDancehall. New artists and producers of that time like Sunshine,Khutso,Nhubu Digital ,Levels, Freeman, Lady Squanda, Jay C,then Mbare Quadrant (Killah T,Soul Jah luv,Seh Calaz & Kinnah) helped to change the sound and not forgetting the Winky-D's musical switch of 2011.By year 2013 local Hardcore dancehall was now a side show and most of the riddims or singles produced had an element of Zvigubhu/Gudugudu far away from the seasoned hardcore.
However the Helmet sound didn't completely fade away, there remained artists who didn't give up, most notable is Dadza D till today he is still doing hardcore dance-hall/Helmets. Sound systems like FYAH LYNX SOUND(zim) have continued to push the Helmet movement while a new breed of Artists who are in the Hardcore element are increasing by the day.A closer listening to Helmet will live you with a conviction that someone from another country that may come across our local Helmet artists can enjoy the sound without even noticing its a Zimbabwean production.This is how good their craft is,and have a potential to appeal to regional/international dance-hall market. Artist like Dashocca Shocca,Viviun,Mr Waah,Eyetal Fire,Jah Noz,Dylano, Mr Syncleer and many more are putting out good projects which only time will do justice to their effort.
The recent Helmet live session which was hosted by Hweva Mvura and Dollarbill Entertainment Unlimited. is a true testimony that there is a huge potential in commercial value for Helmet sound/Artists given they get more local airplay,platforms to perform live,regional and international radio pluggers,unity and collaboration among the artists,individual effort by artists to push their sound on various Online platforms and US the listeners to avoid stereo-typing sound.
Remember across Limpopo there was a time when one had to rap in vernac on Kwaito influenced beat to be taken serious.It took artist like Proverb and AKA who continued rapping in English against all odds and on pure hip-hop beats to give birth to internationally recognized stars like Nasty C.
NB* Any error of omission or commission is not by intent.
#HelmetsToDaWorld
By Helmet Chef a.k.a DjBantu Blacks
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