Urban grooves era was crucial period in Zim music ...

Urban grooves era was crucial period in Zim music history: Roki

Zim Now Writer

Rockford “Roki” Josphat says the urban grooves genre’s contribution to the history of urban contemporary music in Zimbabwe is not being appreciated.

He contends that urban grooves came from a place where most people feel least comfortable — a place of uncertainty, contradiction and discovery.

Roki says this is reflected in songs like Waenda by Tererai Mugwadi and Zuva Rimwe by Cynthia Mare.

Roki said he feels that something went wrong along the way

He said urban grooves has done a lot for the local music industry and helped give birth to other genres.

Roki believes genres like Zim Dancehall and Zim-Hip Hop wouldn’t be there without the urban grooves movement.

“It seems the music from that generation had a longer shelf life.

“Urban grooves birthed Zim Dancehall and Zim-Hip Hop and, as a generation, we’re all very happy that some of the people we inspired directly became famous acts

“I feel we should do more and inspire and give birth to more if we can.

“Like I said, it was used to come up with the urban styles of music that are there currently, all things are possible through God, so you never know.

“I intend to continue as a musician and I can’t help but to be happy to be associated and synonymous with such a big brand as urban grooves.”