Artists That Entered The Scene With Style, Boldness & Impact

Once in a while we witness an artists who enters the music industry with so much confidence and style that you cannot help it but give them the attention they require. Some will challenge the status quo and some will break existing records whilst announcing their arrival is superb style. Zimbabwe has had a fair share of such artists and in particular order will be sharing with you my picks for the artists that entered the scene with panache.

1. Leonard Karikoga Zhakata
Today he is regarded as the  best lyricist to emerge from Zimbabwe and that owes a lot to his brilliant and politically charged 1994 debut album Maruva Enyika. The album sold more than 100 000 copies which was unheard of for someone of his age (26). The album up to today remains one of the finest album ever released in the country.

2. Alick Macheso

Ba Sharo broke and set a highest selling record with his debut album Simbaradzo, the album sold more that 500 000 units and set the record which still stands to this day. On top of that the album remains a favourite of many Zimbos 20 years after its releases, when tracks from that album are being played many will be singing along and on a live show they will be a lot of cheers from the crowd. Alick Macheso is now regarded as a living legend and his first album had all the hints and attributes of a legend in the making.

3. Stunner 

Stunner is one controversial figure, his entrance into the music industry was as daring as I've witnessed all my years of listening to local music. His track Hameno challenged all the norms people held dear, asking the questions others were afraid to ask, and attacking everyone who were at the top of the urban music game. The biggest beef in Zim urban music history (Stunner vs Maskiri) started with this song and many other responses from various artists who were attacked were to follow after this song was released and none of them made a dent on Stunner as he went on to become the biggest rapper in Zim, dominating the music charts to an extent which up to this day is still unrivaled by any other rapper in Zimbabwe. A true pioneer and Icon of urban music in Zimbabwe.

4. Chiwoniso Maraire

The normal standing is that one becomes a legend after years of proving themselves, releasing a consistent string of classics but Sister Chi challenged that status quo when she went solo and released her debut album Ancient Voices. The album is so good that no-one will really say your wrong if you state that it is the best album ever produced by a Zimbabwean artist. And with that album she earned herself a legend tag, the album has stood the test of time and is a perfect example of what timeless music is like.

5. ExQ

A few artists have managed to enter the music scene with so much coolness, swag and style as ExQ did in the early 2000's. When Musala hit the radios, it became an instant hit and an anthem to all the young Zimbos. ExQ has this Mase/LL Cool J hybrid kind of rapping which ozzes loads of swag and drove Zimbo ladies crazy. Any guy who wanted to seem cool, trying kuita kamusalad was rapping to this song. It did not end there but he went on to release other classics such as Mazirudo and Ndichakutevera which solidified him a an icon in the music industry. Any 90's kid like me who was interested in music can definitely sing those three mentioned ExQ tracks word to word....they are just that good.

6. Janet Manyowa

I'm an absolute fan of Janet Manyowa, and have written a lot about here on my channel but truthfully, when something is that good you can never tire of talking about it. The way she entered and elevated the gospel scene with her 2015 album King Of Glory is unrivaled. She dominated and is still dominating the charts from the day she announced herself with the single Amazing God in early 2015 and as of the time of writing this article she again hold the number 1 spot on the gospel charts with her track titled Zadzisa. She has been occupied the number one spot for the longest compared to any other gospel artists in these past 3 years, and she has done it with several songs; Ndomira Pamuri, Kune Muponesi & Zadzisa, another feat no other artists, even in the non gospel categories can match in these past 3 years. The true definition of entering the music scene with style, strength and vision. 

7. Extra Large

Now these guys are now not as good and appealing as they once did but in their around 10 years in the music industry that have given Zimbos some memorable tracks. When they entered the scene they showed how effective it was to address the serious issues in society in a humorous way. The guys had Zimbos laughing all over, their music appealed to all all ages and made it easier for people to discuss certain issues. A lil more humour never hurt anyone and Extra Large definitely proved that. 

8. Winky D

Wallace Chirumuko is the first artist from the urban era who deserves the Legend status, the guy was fire from the beginning in 2004 and ten plus years later he is stronger than ever. When Zim dancehall was still in its infancy stage, trying to find its feet, Winky D rose to become the much needed savior and Moses of the dancehall genre. He first announced his arrival on the Luckspin Riddim with his Ndiri Rasta and Scared inna Wah medley which caused a lot of excitement among the ghetto's and school all around the nation. He brought style to Zim dancehall, it was now like-able. He then followed up with the iconic jam Rokesheni and everything after that is history. Zim Dancehall was born .

So ya these are the 8 artist for this episode that entered the scene with panache, boldness, style and impacted their specific genres and/or the music industry as a whole.

Feel free to comment with other artists who you feel deserve to feature on such a list.

Proud_Zimbo