For many years, Mbare has been regarded as the heart of Zimbabwe’s urban music. The high-density suburb has produced some of the country’s biggest names and played a major role in the growth of Zimdancehall.
But as the music industry has evolved, Chitungwiza, popularly known as Chitown, has emerged as another major centre of Zimbabwean musical talent.
Mbare: The Home of Zimdancehall
Mbare played a major role in the rise of Zimdancehall, especially between 2012 and 2018.
Artists such as Soul Jah Love, Killer T, Seh Calaz, Kinnah and Nutty O became household names and helped take the genre from the streets to the national stage.
Studios such as Chillspot Records also became important platforms for young artists, giving them opportunities to record music and build successful careers.
Chitown: The New Musical Powerhouse
While Mbare remains an important part of Zimbabwe’s music history, Chitungwiza has steadily built its own musical identity.
What makes Chitown different is its ability to produce artists across various genres, particularly Zimdancehall and Zim hip hop.
The township has become a breeding ground for young musicians who are bringing new sounds, ideas and stories to Zimbabwe’s music scene.
Master H: Chitown’s Zimdancehall Superstar
One of the biggest Zimdancehall names to emerge from Chitungwiza is Master H.
The Chitown-born superstar has built a strong following through his energetic music, catchy songs and unique style. He gained early attention through freestyle performances and online content before breaking into the mainstream.
Chitown’s Zim Hip Hop Stars
Chitungwiza has also become a strong force in Zimbabwean hip-hop.
Voltz JT has established himself as one of the country’s respected young rappers, gaining attention for his lyricism, storytelling and socially conscious music.
Saint Floew has also made a major impact with emotional songs that reflect personal experiences and the realities faced by young people.
Bagga is another emerging name from the Chitown hip-hop movement, bringing a street-inspired sound that connects strongly with younger audiences.
Chitown’s Zimdancehall Movement
Master H is not alone in carrying Chitungwiza’s Zimdancehall flag.
Hwindi President and Jah Master built a reputation for their energetic performances and catchy music, while Guspy Warrior and Dadza D earned respect through years of contribution to the genre.
Jnr Spragga represents another generation of Chitown dancehall musicians keeping the culture alive.
From Mbare to Chitown
The story is not necessarily about Mbare being replaced by Chitungwiza. Instead, it is about the evolution of Zimbabwean urban music.
Mbare gave birth to and helped popularise a generation of Zimdancehall stars. Chitungwiza has taken that foundation and expanded it, producing musicians in both Zimdancehall and Zim hip hop.