South African producer reveals why Zimbabwe music cannot be exported
South African producer Prince Kaybee has ignited debate after claiming Zimbabwean music struggles to gain international traction—not because of quality, but due to genre limitations, lyrical texture and language barriers.
The outspoken artist, known for his chart-topping Afro-house tracks, took to X on 23 May 2025 to explain why, in his view, Zimbabwean music has not found widespread success beyond its borders.
“It’s not a quality issue,” wrote Prince Kaybee.
“You guys actually have world-class engineers and songwriting. The issue is the type of sonics that have been consistent throughout the years, which is Zimdancehall. It’s a very small genre… too layered to be commercially feasible in South Africa.”
‘Zimdancehall holding back global growth’
Prince Kaybee, who spent a month in Zimbabwe recording his album The 4th Republic, said he observed this pattern in both Bulawayo and Harare. He acknowledged newer genres such as Zim hip-hop and Afro-house were gaining some traction but claimed the core “dancehall texture” in local writing was limiting broader appeal.
“Even when adopting what’s happening in the world, like amapiano, the lyrical approach melodically still has that dancehall texture,” he said.
“And lastly, sometimes language is an issue with music growth. SOMETIMES. Otherwise keep creating—it will work out one day.”
Kaybee’s comments were in response to a viral tweet from Zimbabwean social media personality Tabani Mgucci, who had criticised Zimbabwe’s music scene just two days earlier for being mediocre and unexportable.
“Whilst SA artistes are making money from Zimbabwe, our music is mediocre and carries no export value,” Mgucci wrote.
“When Zim artistes go abroad, they go there to play for Zimbabweans. That’s how mid our music is.”
The tweet quickly gained traction with over 180,000 views, sparking fierce reactions.
Reactions split: ‘Constructive criticism’ or ‘false narrative’?
Zimbabweans online were divided. Some appreciated Kaybee’s honesty and technical understanding of music.
“You nailed it,” wrote user @ChifashuPeter.
“Umculo wakithi ubulawe yilentoyishoyo — our music suffers from exactly what you said: language and fear of trying new things.”
Others praised his passion.
“You’re controversial,” tweeted @LedwabaKoena1,
“But the passion you have for this art called music is what I respect.”
But not everyone agreed.
Many argued that Zimbabwean music was broader than just Zimdancehall and deserved more recognition.
“Last year, Mokoomba went on a US tour, Shone toured with Coldplay, Nitefreak was at Miami Music Week, Mary Anibal performed in Abidjan, and Feli Nandi is headed to MTN Bushfire,” tweeted @teemadzika.
“I hate that they discredit so many musicians doing amazing work out there.”
Others pointed to a lack of marketing and infrastructure—not genre—as the real barrier.
“Our music isn’t mediocre. It’s just poorly marketed,” said @dundundaan.
“Artists don’t have the support they need. The best promo we have is word of mouth.”
Beyond Zimdancehall: What’s next?
Some commenters were quick to remind the public that Zimbabwe boasts more than just two genres. Genres inspired by sungura, Afro-jazz, and the legendary Chitekete sound were mentioned as having mass appeal.
“Did you get to listen to the genre that sounds like Chitekete?” asked @Shatso_Era.
“It’s quite big too—possibly bigger than the two genres you mentioned.”
Others praised local DJs and international collaborations, especially by names like Nitefreak and DJ Simz.
“Not all Zimbabwean artists go abroad just to play for fellow Zimbabweans,” tweeted @Dj_Ash_t_.
“Do you know @nitefreakdj?”
Even Prince Kaybee’s upcoming show in Zimbabwe was brought into the discussion—ironically highlighting how South African artists continue to cash in on the Zimbabwean market, while many Zimbabwean musicians struggle to break out.
As debate continues, Prince Kaybee’s words have left a mark, encouraging deeper reflection about the structure, identity, and exportability of Zimbabwe’s diverse music scene.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post “It’s Not Quality, It’s Genre” – Prince Kaybee Reveals Why Zimbabwe Music Struggles To Go Global appeared first on iHarare News.
