Harare — LOCAL hip-hop artistes will, on January 30, converge at the Mannenberg for the third anniversary of The Circle, a platform for showcasing their talent.
Ronald "Ronytress" Mabika, a member of Crook Avenue, the organisers, said the event seeks to develop and promote local hip-hop.
The event, which is held on the last Saturday of every month, has grown from strength to strength, drawing numbers with each outing.
The event is a brainchild of Reynard Mabika, younger brother of Ronald, who is now based in Malaysia and has been working together with Book Café.
Expected to grace the event are some of the well known hip-hop artistes in Zimbabwe, the likes of Mc-Chita and J-Boss.
The Circle has also been a launch pad for artistes such as Outspoken and Upmost of Dialectic Blue.
Ronald, however, bemoaned the lack of support and appreciation among the local populace, most of whom only see hip-hop artistes as copycats.
"Zimbabweans seem to shun hip-hop artistes as wanna-bes because they don't seem to realise that this is a non-profit making initiative for the youths by the youths" he said.
Ronald also took a swipe at the media for ignoring hip-hop by focusing on sungura and other genres.
"The media mostly concentrates on other genres like sungura and urban grooves while sidelining hip-hop. Artistes like Mc-Chita, Mariache and other upcoming ones have been getting airplay on national radios, but I feel they (media) could still do more.
"The Circle, because of the lack of funds and sponsorship, tends to rely on word of mouth, the Internet and flyers to create awareness, so I would like to reach out to the business community because we need their support, not only financial but moral as well.
"With better funding, we should be able to do quality music and videos as well as run shows which are at par with international standards," he said.
He believes a closer relationship with the media and the business community is essential for hip-hop to grow. He said events like the National Arts Merit Awards and Zimbabwe Music Awards need to have a hip-hop category.
"For 2010 we are not just looking at Harare alone, we are planning to do roadshows to increase awareness and expand the programme to include the remote areas as well," he said.
Ronald said a mixtape titled "Play 4 Keeps" would be out soon. The 12-track CD is based on the life of a Zimbabwean youth trying to make it in life.
It mainly features Circle members like Cynik, J-Boss, Ishy-X and members of his own group, Crook Avenue. The release of the mix tape is to be followed by an album of the same name in August.
As a parting shot, he said he would like to thank Book Café for providing the venue and all the artistes and fans who have made The Circle what it is today.
Tags: Zimhiphop
