JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA
SOCIAL classification in Zimbabwe is normally viewed as fun — good banter that’s acceptable.
But to many, who have been victims of labels — no matter how flattering it seems — being put into a category is a NO, NO, NO!
There is a term in Zimbabwe called “maSalad”, which refers to young people with deep roots in the more affluent neighbourhoods of the country.
While those who bestow such labels think it’s a badge of honour on the part of those they classify, a lot of the “maSalads” don’t like it at all.
Being classified a Salad, to them, is a sign of weakness, lack of social skills, and generally being a child-man. Lately there is a new fad in town: it says “Hatitongwe nemaSalad”, coined by one Zim dancehall artiste, Blot, in one of his trending songs which has had serious implications on the Zimbabwean music scene.
Firstly, the wording seeks to divide people between the so-called haves and the have nots.
Secondly, the phrase is likely to cause more harm than good between those born in the townships and those from the leafy suburbs.
Sadder still, a good number of DJs including Godfather Templeman of Star FM and Chillspot Clique, DJs Levels and Fantan seem to ignorantly promote this hate language.
From the outset, it is important to define what the phrase means. In street lingo, it means Zimdancehall, which is largely ghetto inspired, is bigger than hip-hop and therefore any artiste who sings hiphop shouldn’t be viewed as superior.
It also emphasises that those who live in the northern half of Samora Machel (the leafy suburbs) cannot outclass those who come from south of Samora Machel!
So it is at this point where the phrase places emphasis on class, something which often has potential to divide people.
It is also divisive in that it spits Zimdancehall, which is associated with the ghetto, against hip-hop, which is seen as high end or topclass.
Unbeknown to Blot or even the ChillSpot Records proprietor, music is largely seen as a universal language which unifies people, regardless of race, class, colour, or creed.
Once music divides people on the basis of their social background, it would have failed to achieve the desired goal, hence Blot’s assertion that “Hatitongwe nemaSalad” is nothing but divisive and should not be condoned.
In this case, maSalad, those from well-to-do families, are perceived as weaklings and therefore have no capacity to rule or rather dominate the music industry.
These words should not be taken lightly as they can quickly ignite a war between downtown and uptown.
In other words, the statement smacks of hate language, which can result in an implosion between both sides of Samora Machel.
