ZIMBABWE’S foremost dancehall singers, Winky D and Nutty O, are featured on Bob Marley’s tribute album titled Africa Unite through their collaboration So Much Trouble in the World, a remake of the reggae legend’s classic hit.
JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA
The song is part of a 10-track compilation album comprising some of the crème de la crème musicians from Africa.
While there is so much hype and enthusiasm surrounding the release of the album, due out on 4 August 2023, in other countries, sadly the same cannot be said of Zimbabwe. The reason is that in Zimbabwe the powers-that-be, through their stranglehold on public media, are fretting over the collaboration because it features Winy D, a musician they have desperately tried in vain to pigeonhole.
As one writer Doreen Rumbidzai Tivenga once wrote: “Winky D has always refuted that he sings politics, arguing that his music is mere social commentary. This is a clear attempt to avoid persecution. But there is a very fine line between political and social commentary, and the social conditions of the poor that Winky D acknowledges as central to his music are a product of politics.”
Many of Winky D’s fans have taken to social media to protest what seems to be a well-orchestrated blackout of his name in the coverage of the massive project.
A fan Lindie Wenyika wrote on her Facebook page: “Winky D DiBigman & Nutty O will feature on the forthcoming tribute BOB MARLEY ALBUM. ZBC and other Zanu PF affiliated stations have refused to mention the name Winky D. Let’s show them they don’t matter. 10K likes for the Gaffa before 10 July 2023.”
Another fan Rufaro Kaseke Activista commented: “Congratulations to Zimbabwe’s musical national treasure and the people’s hero Winky D and Nutty O for being selected to feature on Tuff Gong Jamaica’s Africa Unite Project. The Marley family are pumped about this project. They believe this compilation album will celebrate the love and connection that the legendary Bob Marley had for Africa and its people. This is a big deal as the two superstars are joining Africa’s best artists on the project.”
Music critics worldwide have described the posthumous album as a celebration of the vibrant fusion of reggae and Afrobeats.
Discovermusic commented: “With Africa Unite, Bob Marley’s influence continues to resonate, bridging the gap between the past and present. The album not only showcases the global reach of Bob Marley’s music but also celebrates the rich tapestry of African rhythms and melodies.
“By intertwining reggae’s soulful vibrations with the infectious energy of Afrobeats, Africa Unite embodies the unity and spirit of collaboration, mirroring the late artiste’s vision of a harmonious world.
“Bob Marley’s impact on reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. As a pioneer of reggae, Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. His powerful lyrics and captivating melodies have served as a guiding light, inspiring countless artistes and shaping the musical landscape.”
Africa Unite is an extraordinary album that pays homage to the reggae icon’s greatest hits, beautifully reimagined and infused with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats.
What is all the more exciting is that So Much Trouble in the World was produced by Zimbabwe’s very own DJ Tamuka who has won acclaim for producing Nutty O’s breakaway hit album, Mustard Seed. The album carries the hit song Handipere Power, a number that encourages people to never give up on their dreams in the face of adversity.
The other tracks music fans can look forward to are Dem Belly Full featuring Rema and Skip Marley, Redemption Song featuring South African soulful sensation Ami Faku and Waiting in Vain featuring the Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage.
Another gem of a song is Three Little Birds featuring Teni and Oxlade and also Davido on Buffalo Soldier and Stir It Up featuring Sarkodie.
Ayra Starr, who has been climbing high with her single Rush, is also featured on a track titled Jamming and Patoranking closes with the track One Love.
Those who love Bob Marley will attest that these are some of his greatest hits loved and enjoyed by millions of people for decades.
Zimbabwean reggae fans still remember with nostalgia Bob Marley’s performance at Independence in 1980 during which time he also performed the song Zimbabwe, forever etching the country’s name in the annals of reggae history.
Bob Marley’s impact on reggae and Afrobeats music culture is immeasurable. As a pioneer of reggae, Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
His powerful lyrics and captivating melodies have served as a guiding light, inspiring countless artistes and shaping the music landscape.
