The Sunday News
Gladmore Ncube
THERE is one trend that is ever present in most shebeens in the high density suburbs of Bulawayo. It is the music from legendary South Africa outfit Dalom Kids, famed by the late Dan Tshanda.
Dalom Kids and the rest of the gang in Tshanda’s stable were a constant feature performing in Bulawayo. Their fans have immortalised the music, extending even to bars in the central business district. In other quarters, the music is known as Splash. Every shebeen worth its taste in the beer drinking culture always plays Splash music.
This is the kind of music that defines social circles and makes Bulawayo a Dalom Kids haven.
On an expedition around shebeens most frequented in the city, patrons and owners made startling remarks on why this kind of music is popular.
It is norm that as one enters a shebeen, while relaxing enjoying the comfort of the sofa holding a cold beverage, spilling out of the jug, they are bound to request some music.
One shebeen queen at Mzilikazi opened up and said the request come at a time when patrons are in the presence of stunning, free spirited ladies.
Songs like Dumazile by Peacock and Istress by Tshanda are on top on the request list. These, as shebeen queens and kings explain, are loved by the young and the mature.
But there is a downside, the songs empty people’s pockets, when the stereo belts them out. Hector Mangena, a shebeen owner said one reason why this kind of music is loved is because it brings joy to patrons.
“Music, not just music but Splash music, raises revellers’ mood. At times, I have noticed at my place, people get calm and relaxed as it plays. It brings them closer to their lives.”
Music gurus in the city said Splash is a sub-genre of songs that will never be outdated or face a threat of extinction from the playlist.
“Shebeen people love it for a reason, that is the kind of music that relates to real life experiences, not this bubble gum we are made to listen to in some pubs,” said 53-year-old Sifelani Nduna who has since turned out to be a shebeen music critic of late.
“If you find a patron requesting ingoma zesimanje manje (latest music), just know they are not a shebeen type of a drinker. Splash music or I would say the rest of Dalom Kids songs carry the culture of Bulawayo. There are many classy pubs in the city but people keep on supporting shebeens and it’s a way of life.”
A Bulawayo-based DJ Man GeeTee said Splash music is like fashion to the people of Bulawayo.
“It is always on point, and at times brings fond memories of times gone by. I have been a DJ for a long time and I have seen a lot of hit songs come and go, but Splash music is refusing to fade. I remember around the late 1990s to the early 2000s, people would call up on Kwaito and other South African music. But no one requests that.
It is now about shebeens and Splash.
“At times in the middle of the night I just switch off the decks to play Dalom music at the club and get surprised by the reaction I get from the crowd. It would be like people were not in the club all along,” said Man GeeTee.
A woman who owns a shebeen in Sizinda who preferred to reserve her identity said she never plays anything in her shebeen besides Splash.
“I first opened this shebeen when my husband passed away in the year 1995 and by that time artistes like Freddy Gwala, Soul brothers and Dan Tshanda were the people’s choice when they come to the spot.
“But there are these guys who sing Splash, especially Dan Tshanda and Patricia Majalisa, they rule the roost. Their songs are an anthem. My customers love them to bits. They engage in social talk, dance and laugh all the way till they drop.”
She highlighted that there is a risk in not playing this music.
“It is too risky to tell patrons that you do not have this music. Either they insult you or one loses customers. Remember the customer are king.”
Brian Mpofu of Njube suburb said new shebeens that have sprout up, have to consider plucking a leaf from those that have stood the test of time.
