The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
MANY people have already been over this . . . It’s a question that has probably been lingering on the tips of many people’s tongues, given the rather epic rise to stardom of both Jah Prayzah and Winky D.
This week Sunday Life attempts to differentiate the two and set the record straight, if at all there is one, and perhaps quash the bickering among fans.
Both Soja and Gaffa are great artistes by their own right! To put in the right context, by better, we mean best and not favourite.
Best in terms of originality, form, complexity to produce their work, simplicity to produce their work, perfection of composition, popularity (fandom), influence on other artistes, how easy it was for the musician to create their work (intelligence, wisdom), melody, psychedelic-ness and aesthetics.
These are attributes that should help define the true greatest.
But who really is better in terms of musical deliverance, sets the pace musically, adjusting to the pressures of meeting deadlines and adapting to the fast paced ever changing music industry?
Well, both have been in the game for a while and have a great run at that.
They both have good marketing strategies that have seen them dominate the showbiz industry, which has set them both as the country’s much sought after artistes.
Their presence in the industry has been greatly felt, as many up-and-coming artistes look up to them, while some may argue that their presence is so hardcore that it has begun shadowing renowned and well established musicians, whom we would rather not mention.
Nonetheless, Jah Prayzah is the pioneer of an amorous style — he is somewhat of a proto-romantic composer. If you look at his works for the duration of his spanning career, you would notice how most of his music dwells on love and romance.
Since venturing into the mainstream music industry, Jah Prayzah has managed to deliver, unequivocally, to his fans throughout the country.
A mastermind in his own right, Jah Prayzah has managed to harness the essence of the showbiz industry, using all that he can to better himself and make his presence felt.
One might say he is a true musical genius that takes advantage of promotions and collaborations, given his massive body of works, coupled with his ingenious marketing and promotional team.
He is on a league of his own at the moment and that is why he is riding on the man of the moment crest. He is a genius that is unparalleled!
Then comes the ninja president, a living god in his own right — if his dressing, which has similarities with Egyptians, needs mention!
The Disappear hit maker definitely knows how to keep fans on the edge. Commanding a large regiment of fans, one could say he is Zimbabwe’s own version of Mick Jagger — minus the wacky dance moves.
At any moment, Winky D sure knows how to get the crowd popping. A true lyrical mastermind connecting society’s everyday events, Winky D is a phenomenal living legend.
He too like Jah Prayzah strategises his every move, with a bag that is not filled with collaborations; Winky D possesses confidence that surely makes him a great musical MVP.
He has even by far surpassed himself. With a bag full of tricks Winky D, must be iconised as one of, if not the best Zim Dancehall artiste.
@peterkmatika
