By Tawanda Ngena
GHETTO JOURNALISM will this friday (January 13th) honour incarcerated
Jamaican dancehall icon and self-proclaimed 'World Boss', Vybz Kartel with a belated
birthday bash at Columbus Place in Borrowdale.
Vybz Kartel is of course currently serving time in jail after
being convicted of murder, a charge that many of his die-hard fans (and the world
at large) still feel was trumped up to curtail the DJ's growing influence.
An influence that continues to grow by the day and regardless
of the fact that Vybes Kartel has been locked up for since 2011 , he is still miles
(if not light years) ahead of his competition!
Hardcore dancehall fans all over the globe took time out on the
8th of january to celebrate the Jamaican dancehall supremo for his artistry, what
he did for the dancehall genre, but more importantly, his role as a symbol for struggle
and voice for oppressed people everywhere......and Zimbabwe is no exception.
We spoke to the organiser of the show, one Tawanda Tsoka, better
know as Tawastok who said that plans were afoot to make this an annual event.
"This is only the first show that we have done in recognition
of what Vybz Kartel means to dancehall and all of us as individuals. We are more
than happy to join the rest of the world in honouring this man whose work and undeniable
talent have made him immortal!
"Since Zimbabwe is one of the biggest consumers of
dancehall, we felt compelled to honour this true icon and we will make sure to celebrate
this day annually from now on", he said.
Tawastok spoke glowingly of the controversial but talented Jamaican
and shared some of his fondest memories of Kartel.
"From day one I have been one of Kartel's number one
fans and I saw the transformation of the dj from a mere underground artist to
arguably the biggest dancehall act of our time and I am sure for many
generations to come as well.
"I believe that he has done enough to merit all this
attention around him, he added that glamour to 'ghetto levity' and showed us ghetto
youths that you can be what you want to be if you believe in yourself and the talent
you possess.
" I followed his progress since the days when he made a
mockery of the likes of Ninjaman and Mavado on stage during the famed Sting
clashes. It was then that I knew he was truely destined for the stars and not even
jail can put a man like that down or take away his talent", said Tsoka.
Headlining the belated birthday celebrations is Boss Dk, Sky
toppa, Marcus Mosaiah Garvey sound and City Angels. The list also includes Zimbabwe's
own next generation of stars, the likes of I RATTY(mwana wamambo), TATIANA
(Boss lady, dancer and singer) and Da Shocca(fresh from S.A), to mention a few.
"People underrate talent but we try by all means to
fight for them so that they make it because most of us are tired of the same
old line up.
" These artists deserve their chance to shine as well, after
all, they are the future of our industry", said Tawastok.
In the event that his idol was to one day come across this article,
we asked the 'ghetto journalist' if he had any special message for the incarcerated
dj, this is what he had to say,
"I would like to tell him that, be strong my brother and
never give up your fight for justice!
"You have inspired a whole generation of youths, your songs,
your message will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.........and on that
note, Gaza me seh... !!!!!!!
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