Zimbabwe’s 2021 music calendar kicked off on a good note, but in February the country lost one of the widely celebrated top Zimdancehall singers Soul Jah Love, who battled diabetes for years. To many, the Zimdancehall scene will not be the same without him. 

Still, Zimdancehall music continues to contribute to the growth of the music scene in Zimbabwe with the youth forming part of a larger percentage that listens to the genre. The reggae-infused genre has registered a steady growth with top artists like Poptain, Freeman, Enzo Ishall, Killer T, Jah Signal and Tocky Vibes, still commanding a following with new hard-hitting songs. New names like Boss Pumacol and Hwindi President, have also emerged with powerful hits.

Music In Africa has compiled a playlist of the top Zimdancehall songs and the list will be regularly updated to reflect the latest hits of the dynamic scene. The list is in no particular order. 

Pompi by Freeman

Freeman’s ‘Pompi’ is among the top 2021 Zimdancehall songs that are rocking the local waves. The song is accompanied by a beautiful video that features controversial dances.

 

 

Handina by Killer T

Killer T’s ‘Handina’ is a chronicle of bad decisions made by some young people due to peer pressure. The artist encourages his fans to be patient and seek money through legal means.

 

 

Bhurugwa by Poptain

‘Bhrugwa’ is a fusion of dancehall and electro sounds. The video for the song was shot in South Africa and features socialite Hell Commander.

 

 

Vakorinde by Soul Jah Love and Tocky Vibes

‘Vakorinde’ is a collaborative effort by dancehall crooner Tocky Vibes and Soul Jah Love. The video for the song was directed by Andy Cutta.

 

 

Sunda by Poptain

‘Sunda’ was produced by Cymplex Music and is a Shona word for 'push'. It is a motivational song that seeks to encourage people to persevere in the face of challenges.

 

 

Megatron by Anita Jaxson

‘Megatron’ is a song by Anita Jackson after her 2020 hit song ‘Fire’. Her presence continues to be felt across the Zimdancehall music scene and ‘Megatron’ has elevated her level in the music industry.

 

 

High On Your Love by Anita Jaxson

‘High On Your Love’ is another song by Jaxson and is about being deeply in love and the emotions people go through as a result. The song and the video were produced by Leekay Di Man and Trust Njagu, respectively.

 

 

Takuita So by Enzo Ishall

‘Takuita’ is a diss track by Enzo Ishall to rapper Holyten following the pair’s short-lived beef. 

 

 

More by Poptain and Anita Jackson

‘More’ was produced by Leekay Di Man. The accompanying iPhone-shot visuals came about after the concert originally intended to serve as the set for the music video was called off. 

 

 

Pandatadza by Hwindi President

‘Pandatadza’ is a club banger that takes on critics who fail to appreciate when someone does something good. The track has a steady flow and confirms Hwindi President’s spot on the Zimdancehall scene.

 

 

Before by Poptain

‘Before’ is a melodic song that pays homage to the sounds that put Zimbabwean music on the map. Produced by Mega-T, the love song tells a story of a woman who has been in many unsuccessful relationships and is looking for something new. The video for the song was shot by Simdoc.

 

 

Kutadza by Boss Pumacol, Ti Gonzi and Poptain

‘Kutadza’ is a fusion of Z.mdancehall and rap. The song was produced by Leekay and Blackboy. Its video was directed by Leo V.