Live Band or Riddims? Seh Calaz Raises Big Question in Zimdancehall

Popular Zimdancehall artist Seh Calaz has ignited a lively debate among his fans and within the music industry regarding the use of live bands versus traditional backing tracks (riddims) for performances.

Seh Calaz, known for his dynamic stage presence, took to social media to ask his followers for their honest opinions on incorporating live musical instruments into Zimdancehall performances.

He posed questions such as, “How do you view a live band?”

“Especially with the Zimdancehall genre, is it coming out good wherever you attend shows in comparison to how we used to do it, or is it simply pressure from our neighbours?”

“Since you are our paymasters, are you enjoying the music at the end of the day after parting ways with your cash? Please, let us not mention names of certain bands and their respective artists. I just want your honest opinion based on your experience.”

His inquiry quickly garnered thousands of responses, highlighting the divided opinions within the Zimdancehall fan base.
Some of his fans and music lovers had this to say.

Social Media Reactions 

Eddie Maposa: I think the band, maybe the Pama album launch or Pama big events.

Don Simz: A band with good artists vanoziva basa zvinoita, and you can play a different beat rinoita for performance pa stage.

Prosper Murire: Semubhandit kuside rangu zvangu, no need yeBand tongonakirwa zvedu takadaro. Even some of international artists have it, hazvite zvamaBand, ngatisaiswe pressure nezvina basa.

Wellington Tendai Chakuvunza: No band, please.

While the concept of live band performances is not new to the Zimdancehall scene, its implementation has yielded mixed results.

Some artists who have attempted to integrate live bands have faced challenges that include technical glitches, poor sound coordination, and lack of experience with live instrumentation, leading to “underwhelming shows” and “dissonant” music.

However, some artists have successfully embraced the live band format.

Winky D, a pioneer in the genre, is frequently cited as setting a high standard with his Vigilance Band.

Their performances are lauded for their professionalism, musical tightness, and ability to blend the raw energy of dancehall with live musical flair, providing a richer experience for fans.

The ongoing discussion sparked by Seh Calaz underscores the evolving nature of Zimdancehall and the continuous quest by artists to enhance their craft and deliver the best possible experience to their audience.