Nutty O: Featured Guest artist at Newtown reggae and dancehall concert says this music captures everything that makes people, people
By Edward Tsumele
Saturday, March 5, 2022 is a big day for fans of reggae and dancehall in Southern Africa, who will be converging at Carfax in Newtown to listen and dance to good vibrations from their favourite artists.
Notably even though reggae and dancehall are relatable music genres with a solid following individually, curiously their fans and musicians are not known to share dance stages and the dance floor. And so the #Mash Up Da City Reggae and Dancehall Festival will have a distinction of uniting the two music genre’s fans on the dance floor and the reggae and dancehall artists on stage for the first time in Southern Africa. This in many ways makes this gig one of the shows that will be closely scrutinized by both cultural gurus and promoters.
#Mash Up Da City is organized by Blackness Blue Productions, and sees one of the biggest line ups of reggae and dancehall artists in Southern Africa, sharing the same stage, including DJs, who will also have an opportunity to do their thing.
The show will kick off from 4pm with local upcoming Djs and gradually moving into the main acts Nutty O(ZIM), Bongo Riot(SA) ,Reign Afrika(SA) , Maffie Gee(SA) ,Dj Fanta (SA), Etherton (ZIMFM), DJ Jun(JPN) to mention a few from our jam packed lineup.
Also featured in this show is Zim dancehall artist Nutty O, who is coming to South Africa as a guest featured artist, and therefore a lot is expected from him, especially because Zimdancehall has grown to be a distinct sound on its own, having matured over the years away from its Caribbean roots to become a distinctly southern African sound with a huge following in the region. Nutty O, will therefore be carrying the Zimdancehall flag at the #Mash Da City festival.
CITYLIFE/ARTS had an interview with him ahead of his performance on Saturday.
CITYLIFE/ARTS: . Dancehall though it originated in Jamaica has since evolved into a force, especially in southern Africa. Any comment?
NUTTY O: Dancehall has withstood the test of time and that is public knowledge. A lot of culture moves freely because music is like a mustard seed. Wherever it lands it grows and there it will provide shade and more seed. We have seen how much of the American music culture was influenced by African American music. What we can acknowledge is how Dancehall relates to the everyday lifestyle of the African and how it has become a vehicle for self expression not only musically but in all spheres of all culture- fashion, ideology, business, meditations and all. It’s important that we continue to make it grow and keep the culture alive and have a high sense of ownership. Let’s continue to embrace it and support it.
CITYLIFE/ARTS: .Zimbabwe has developed its own distinct sound now known as Zim dancehall, whose tentacles spread beyond the border of Zimbabwe as it has presence in South Africa, especially Johannesburg. What influenced its foothold in Zim popular culture, according to your own experience and perspective?
NUTTY O: Zimbabwe’s rich history with reggae was the inception of a lifelong journey- Bob Marley and his positive influence. The 2nd Chimurenga and the music’s inspirational words. Bob Marley performing here live. Peter Tosh’s brilliant thought provoking writing and performance style that questioned the status quo, Bunny Wailer and a lot of artists have had a significant impact on Zimbabwe. This then allowed the culture to propagate. In turn it took its own form and sound as people appreciated it- Solomon Skuza, Ilanga, Zig Zag band, The sound clashes that used to be done back in the day fast forward to the urban grooves… everything was a snowball effect. And now we are here- present day. The sound grew because it related to the everyday life of the youths. It’s music that captures the struggles, dreams, inspiration, goals, hopes, love and everything that makes people, people. There was a growing need for it and hence it became popular. It’s growth is now beyond Southern Africa. People in the diaspora especially Zimbabwean who are living abroad love it too. It keeps them in touch with home, reminds them of home, allows them to celebrate our modern culture and also speaks to them in different ways. That’s magic. Zim Dancehall’s growth is because it’s an authentic culture plug in that represents the modern youths and people in Zimbabwe. A musical diary.
CITYLIFE/ARTS. You will be performing in Johannesburg as A Guest Artist, and which is an honour. Why do you think out of so many dancehall Zim artists as I understand, the organisers picked you?
NUTTY O: It is a blessing to be handpicked out of many others. I put it to my proven track record of good delivery on Raggae and Dancehall live performances as well as the music I have made over the years that many have resonated with. I have also shared the stage with greats like Lion Paw, Bongo Riot and Black Dillinger before, in Rustenburg, and am so excited to be doing it again in Johannesburg.
CITYLIFE/ARTS: At the upcoming festival, for the first time in Southern Africa, dancehall and reggae artists on one hand, and dancehall and reggae fans on the other will share an experience, and this is the first time such an event has taken place. Any comment?
NUTTY O: Me can’t wait to experience the magic that we will come up with, every time creatives synergise its always Maad!
CITYLIFE/ARTS:. What should fans expect from Nutty O during his performance in Johannesburg?
NUTTY O:Expect the Ability Xtention energy in action as always, good vibes and the Nutty O Music you love so much on an amplified tip! Working with Baak Yaad Band is gonna be phenomenal!
CITYLIFE/ARTS: What influenced you in your musical career.
I am influences by life experiences in my content and by the greats who have conquered the space ahead of us and now.
Tickets for #Mash Up D a City are sold at ticket Pro ,Spar R100(online)for your early birds but R150 at the gate ,R300 VIP https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/6f7d68bb-f20d-cfd8-79fd-61f974a9089c?fbclid=
For more information Tel Number: 011 568 6096: Cell Number: 079 385 4110 Whatsapp No: 079 385 4110