The Zimdancehall scene was set ablaze this week as Delroy Shewe officially challenged Hulengende to a tune for tune exchange of diss songs.

This development comes while Hulengende is already fighting a lyrical battle against Junior Spragga.

​The tension reached a breaking point after Delroy Shewe found himself on the receiving end of sharp insults from Malloti. In a swift response to the verbal attacks, Shewe decided to take the fight to the booth by targeting Hulengende.

​The challenge was issued on Wednesday as Shewe sought to defend his reputation through music. He made it clear that he is ready to trade tracks to prove his lyrical power against his rivals.

​”If they want to talk, let them talk in a song,” Shewe remarked during a brief statement to his fans. He noted that the insults from Malloti only motivated him to show his true strength as a songwriter.

​Hulengende is now facing pressure from two sides as he continues his existing feud with Junior Spragga. This new conflict with Shewe forces him to respond to multiple attacks at the same time.

​”I am not backing down from anyone,” Hulengende responded via his social media platforms. He told his followers that he has enough lyrical fire to handle every artist currently throwing jabs at him.

​Industry followers are now expecting a flood of new diss tracks to hit the streets in the coming days. The fans remain the ultimate judges as they wait to see who will survive this intense musical war.

Popular Zimdancehall star Van Choga has sparked fresh debate within the local arts industry by claiming that controversial content generates more revenue than high-quality musical productions.

Speaking exclusively to Hurumende News Hub, Van Choga argued that in the modern digital era, the “shock factor” serves as a more effective marketing tool than vocal talent or polished instrumentals.

He noted that provocative songs and public stunts often trigger viral social media engagement, which translates directly into higher streaming numbers and increased event bookings.

“People talk more about what surprises them or makes them angry,” the artist explained when asked about the strategy. He added that while a well-composed song might earn respect, a controversial one attracts immediate attention and clicks.

The artist’s rise to fame was itself fueled by a chaotic persona that many critics initially dismissed as madness. However, Van Choga maintained that this approach was a calculated move to break through a saturated market where traditional “good” music often goes unnoticed by the masses.

Music critics have reacted sharply to these claims, with some arguing that while controversy may sell quickly, it lacks the longevity of quality art. Veteran producer T-Man noted that while a stunt might trend for a week, a high-quality production can become a classic that supports an artist for decades.

This revelation comes at a time when many Zimbabwean artists are struggling to balance artistic integrity with the financial demands of the digital economy.

Van Choga’s stance suggests that for many performers, the goal has shifted from creating lasting legacies to capturing the fleeting attention of the internet.

By Everisto Zhuwao

HARARE – Popular Zimdancehall artists Hulengende and Malloti have shifted their focus to music production, moving away from the social media insults that once defined their brand.

The duo, known as the “Mallongende Movement,” recently released the official video for their collaboration Waponda Moyo. The move signals a major change in direction following public backlash over their conduct on digital platforms.

The shift comes after Zvimba South MP Taurai Dexter Malinganiso raised concerns in Parliament about the duo’s influence on the youth. He accused them of using explicit language and allegedly promoting drug abuse during live broadcasts on TikTok and Instagram.

“Influence must be a tool for nation-building, not a weapon of social destruction,” Malinganiso said during a point of national interest in the National Assembly.

In response, the artists are now leaning into their musical talent. Their latest project, featured on Hulengende’s Tsvimbo Mutauro album, has already attracted hundreds of thousands of views. The album also includes collaborations with high-profile producers such as Oskid.

Fans have described the “Mallongende” movement as a “tectonic shift” in the Zimdancehall scene. Supporters have also praised the duo’s resilience, highlighting Hulengende’s journey from rural Mhondoro to Harare, and Malloti’s past work with Hwinza.

Music critics say that by focusing on studio work instead of social media feuds, the pair is better positioned to compete with industry heavyweights. This shift is also seen as an effort to clean up their image while maintaining appeal among younger audiences.

The duo continues to release new content, showing a clear desire to be recognized for their music rather than past controversies.