Yesterday, award -winning hip hop rapper, Tehn Diamond, took his voice to the streets and joined the anti-bond notes protests. In several videos he posted on his snap chat, the ‘Happy’ hit maker is seen and heard expressing his support at the public outcry over the introduction of the new currency.
He posted on his Instagram and Facebook, “We are here today because #NoToBondNotes. Simple.
Because #TisuNgodaDzacho still still, until until. #SSUU” accompanied by a picture from the protest.
At one time he narrates why he joined the protests and his encounter with the running battles as the protesters delivered a petition to the Ministry of Finance offices in Harare. Tehn is no stranger to vocal active citizenry participation as he joined other musicians such as Prayersoul, Takesure Zamar and Cde Fatso who attended the Free Pastor Evan court vigil two weeks ago.
There was a mixed reaction to his actions with some supporting, whilst others urged him to be more cautious as this could derail his musical career. One of his fans, Tanaka Ba Jaiden Mutimumwe said “in as much as u want change and to prosper in the music industry my brother, i wouldnt advice u to mix up your career with politics.. Just be you and your music. Take example jah prayzah he doesnt get himself involved in swabbles… Food for thought!! Concerned fan”
Local Hip hop critic and blogger Michael Mcpotar Mupotaringa differed saying “Hip hop was born from politics. #NoToBondNotes simple.”
Hip hop music and culture has its roots in the1970s as the African American youth residing in the Bronx, USA decried the poverty, police violence, and the dead-end lives of the urban poor and depicted the struggles of the ordinary people. Notable US rap artists such Mos Def , Run DMC, MC Lyte and groups Public Enemy and NWA are some of the artists that used their voice in protest songs that became global hits.
Zimbabwean music has an elaborate history of artists who have been vocal in support of and against the government. For example, Mutare-based Hosiah Chipanga, who has penned several songs critical of the establishment, has had a backlash from state broadcasters, who according to him, refuse to play his music.
A fellow hip hoper Jnr Brown earlier this year dropped a social and politically charged song titled Tongogara that took a dig on abuse, corruption and neglect of the masses by the powers that be. The song reached tens of thousands of views within the first two days and artist’s manager claimed to have sold 5000 copies via downloads.
The late Andy Brown and Simon Chimbetu, whose open support for the government’s land reform program, saw them losing their fan base and favour with sections of the society which negatively and directly affected their music.
Tehn Diamond, whose real name is Tendai Nguni, is son to a well known politician, Slyvester Nguni, a former Minister of State in the ex vice president Joice Mujuru’s office before he was fired from both the government and ruling Zanu PF and has since been active in the new party (ZimPF) launched by his former boss.
