The Most Popular Music in Zimbabwe, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the music you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:44
In the bustling streets of Zimbabwe, music flows as vibrantly as the people themselves, reflecting a rich tapestry of tradition, culture, and modern influences. With so many genres and artists blossoming within the nation, keeping track of the top tunes helps locals and visitors alike connect with the heart and soul of Zimbabwe's musical heritage.
By voting for your favorite tracks, you contribute to a dynamic snapshot of what resonates with listeners right now. Each vote helps shape a living, breathing chart of hits that celebrate Zimbabwean soundscapes. Engaging with this list not only enhances your musical repertoire but also supports and promotes the artists who continue to innovate and inspire.
What Is the Most Popular Music in Zimbabwe?
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113votesThis genre of music was popularized by the late musician Thomas Mapfumo and is often referred to as "the music of the struggle". It blends traditional African rhythms with political and social commentary, and is beloved by many Zimbabweans for its messages of resistance and resilience.Chimurenga is a genre of music that emerged in Zimbabwe during the 1970s as a form of protest music. It played a crucial role in expressing the struggle for independence and social issues faced by the country. The word 'Chimurenga' means 'struggle' or 'liberation' in the Shona language, commonly spoken in Zimbabwe.
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Time Period: 1970s - present
- Language: Primarily Shona, but also incorporates other Zimbabwean languages
- Influences: Zimbabwean traditional music, West African highlife, reggae
- Instruments: Mbira (thumb piano), guitar, saxophone, drums, bass guitar, traditional percussion
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229votesThis upbeat genre of music is characterized by its fast-paced guitar riffs and catchy melodies. It originated in the 1980s and quickly became popular in Zimbabwe and across southern Africa.Sungura is a form of popular music in Zimbabwe that originated in the 1980s. It combines elements of traditional Zimbabwean music with influences from Congolese rumba. Sungura is known for its lively and energetic rhythms, incorporating complex guitar patterns and vibrant vocal harmonies. The lyrics of sungura songs often revolve around social issues, love, and everyday life experiences.
- Origin: 1980s
- Influences: Traditional Zimbabwean music, Congolese rumba
- Rhythms: Lively and energetic
- Guitar Patterns: Complex
- Vocal Harmonies: Vibrant
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324votesThis genre of music emerged in Zimbabwe in the late 2000s and combines traditional reggae rhythms with local influences. It has become hugely popular among Zimbabwean youth and has even spawned its own subculture, complete with unique fashion and dance styles.Zimdancehall is a popular music genre in Zimbabwe that originated in the late 2000s. It is a fusion of Zimbabwean traditional music, predominantly sung in the Shona language, and Jamaican dancehall music. Zimdancehall is characterized by its energetic beats, catchy melodies, and vibrant lyrics that often address socio-political issues, love, and everyday life in Zimbabwe.
- Lyrical Themes: Socio-political issues, love, everyday life
- Language: Predominantly Shona
- Influences: Zimbabwean traditional music, Jamaican dancehall
- Beat: Energetic and lively
- Melodies: Catchy and memorable
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421votesZimbabwe has a thriving gospel music scene, with many talented artists who use their music to inspire and uplift their listeners. Gospel music is popular across all age groups and has a strong following in both urban and rural areas.Gospel music in Haiti is a genre that combines Christian themes with traditional Haitian rhythms and styles. It is a powerful and uplifting form of music that resonates with the spiritual and religious beliefs of the majority of Haitians. Gospel music is often performed in churches and during religious events, serving as a means of worship and expression.
- Incorporates Haitian Elements: Gospel music in Haiti integrates traditional Haitian rhythms, melodies, and instruments, giving it a distinct local flavor.
- Christian Message: The lyrics of Gospel music in Haiti focus on spreading the message of Christianity, including themes of faith, hope, and salvation.
- Vocal Harmonies: Gospel music in Haiti often features rich vocal harmonies, with multiple singers blending their voices together to create a captivating sound.
- Call-and-Response: A common characteristic of Gospel music in Haiti is the call-and-response pattern, where a lead singer or choir responds to the phrases or calls of another singer or group.
- Danceable Rhythms: Many Gospel songs in Haiti have infectious and danceable rhythms, encouraging listeners to move and celebrate.
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517votesThis genre of music blends traditional African rhythms with jazz influences, creating a unique sound that is both soulful and energetic. It has been popular in Zimbabwe since the 1970s and has produced many well-known artists.Afro-jazz is a genre of music that originated in Zimbabwe, combining elements of traditional African music, jazz, and Western influences. It is characterized by its rich rhythm and melodic patterns, soulful vocal performances, and improvisation. Afro-jazz often incorporates traditional African instruments, such as the mbira, marimba, and hosho, along with modern instruments like keyboards, guitars, and saxophones.
- Year of origin: 1980
- Influences: Traditional African music, jazz, Western music
- Instrumentation: Mbira, marimba, hosho, keyboards, guitars, saxophones, vocals
- Rhythm: Complex polyrhythms
- Melody: Intricate and vibrant
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611votesThis traditional instrument is central to the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is often used in spiritual rituals and is believed to have healing powers. Mbira music has a distinct sound, characterized by its repetitive melodies and hypnotic rhythms.The Mbira is a traditional musical instrument in Zimbabwe, also known as a thumb piano. It consists of a wooden board with metal keys that are plucked with the thumbs.
- Number of keys: Usually between 22 to 28 keys
- Material: Wooden board with metal keys
- Key layout: Diatonic or pentatonic scale
- Tuning: Varies, but commonly tuned to a specific scale (such as the Nyamaropa scale)
- Playing technique: Keys are plucked with the thumbs while the other fingers provide support
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711votesZimbabwe has a growing hip hop scene, with many talented artists who use their music to comment on social and political issues. Hip hop is popular among young people in urban areas and has been instrumental in raising awareness about issues such as poverty and corruption.Hip hop is a genre of music that originated in African American and Latinx communities in the 1970s in New York City. It is characterized by its rhythmic and rhyming vocal style, which is often delivered over a repetitive beat, known as a loop, created using samples from various sources. Hip hop encompasses a wide range of subgenres and has a strong emphasis on lyrical content and storytelling.
- Innovation: Hip hop is known for its innovation in music production techniques, including the use of sampling and turntablism.
- MCing: MCing, or rapping, is a key element of hip hop, where artists deliver rhythmic and poetic verses often addressing social and political issues.
- DJing: DJing is an essential aspect of hip hop, with DJs using turntables and mixers to create beats and manipulate music samples.
- Breaking: Breaking, or breakdancing, is a popular dance style associated with hip hop culture, characterized by acrobatic and improvisational moves.
- Graffiti: Graffiti art is often associated with hip hop, with artists using walls and other surfaces as a canvas for self-expression.
Hip hop in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beloved type of music
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular music in Afghanistan
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular music in Ecuador
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82votesReggae music has a long history in Zimbabwe, dating back to the 1970s. It is beloved for its positive messages of love and unity, and has been embraced by many Zimbabweans as a symbol of hope and resilience.Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a distinctive rhythmic pattern, known as the 'riddim', and it combines elements of Jamaican folk music, rhythm and blues, and jazz. Reggae is often associated with themes of social justice, peace, love, and spirituality.
- Rhythm: Reggae music is known for its off-beat accents, often referred to as the 'skank'.
- Instruments: Typically, reggae music includes instruments such as drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, and keyboards. Other instruments like horns and percussion may also be used.
- Vocals: Reggae vocals often feature smooth, melodic singing with a focus on expressing the lyrics and delivering the message of the song.
- Lyrics: Reggae lyrics often address social and political issues, as well as themes of love, spirituality, and personal empowerment.
- Message: Reggae music often promotes messages of unity, equality, and love, and seeks to inspire positive social change.
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95votesJazz music has a small but dedicated following in Zimbabwe, with many talented musicians who play in a variety of styles. Jazz is often associated with sophistication and elegance, and is popular among older Zimbabweans who appreciate its complex harmonies and improvisation.Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythm. Jazz is known for its expressive and emotional qualities, often featuring solos and intricate musical arrangements.
- Improvisation: Jazz musicians often improvise, creating new melodies and variations on the spot.
- Syncopation: Syncopated rhythms, where accents fall on unexpected beats, are a vital element of jazz.
- Swing: Jazz has a distinct swing feel, with a rhythmic groove that encourages dancing and a sense of flow.
- Blues Influence: Jazz has strong roots in blues music, incorporating elements of the blues into its melodies, harmonies, and improvisation.
- Instrumentation: Jazz often features a variety of instruments, including saxophone, trumpet, piano, double bass, and drums.
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1010votesZimbabwe has a rich tradition of music that predates the arrival of Europeans. Many ethnic groups have their own distinct musical styles, which are often performed at weddings, funerals, and other cultural events. Traditional music is an important part of Zimbabwean heritage and continues to be celebrated and preserved by many artists.Traditional music in Indonesia refers to the musical styles that have been passed down through generations in various regions of the country. It is deeply rooted in local cultures and reflects the diversity of Indonesia's ethnic groups.
- Geographical diversity: Traditional music varies greatly across different regions of Indonesia, reflecting the unique cultural characteristics of each area.
- Ethnic influences: Traditional music incorporates elements from the various ethnic groups in Indonesia, including Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, and many others.
- Instruments: Traditional music features a wide array of traditional instruments, such as the gamelan (a traditional ensemble of percussion instruments), sasando (a plucked string instrument), angklung (a bamboo instrument), and many more.
- Vocal techniques: Traditional music involves various vocal techniques, including melisma (ornamental vocal improvisation) and vocalizations mimicking natural sounds.
- Dance connection: Traditional music often accompanies traditional dances, forming a harmonious blend of music and movement.
Traditional music in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular form of music in Indonesia
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular thing in Saudi Arabia
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Ranking factors for popular music
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AirplayThe number of times a song is played on radio and television stations. This gives an indication of how popular a particular track is among the listeners and viewers.
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Streaming numbersThe number of streams a song gets on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can help determine its popularity.
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Downloads and salesPhysical or digital sales of music, along with downloads, can be used to measure the popularity of a song or album.
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Chart rankingsVarious music charts, such as the iTunes Zimbabwe Charts or the Top 100 Zimbabwe songs on popular platforms, provide an overview of the top-performing songs in the country.
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Social media presence and engagementThe popularity of an artist or song on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok shows the level of interest and engagement from fans.
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Concert attendance and fan baseThe size of the audience at concerts and shows, as well as the number of dedicated fans, can be an indicator of an artist's popularity.
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Awards and recognitionsWinning prestigious music awards and receiving nominations can be used as a measure of an artist's influence and popularity.
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Collaborations and featuresCollaborations with other popular artists or featuring on popular albums or tracks can contribute to an artist's popularity.
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Critical reception and reviewsPositive reviews and ratings from critics and music publications can influence a song or artist's popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular music in Zimbabwe. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1745 views
- 141 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular music in zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a country with a rich musical heritage, rooted in traditional African rhythms and instruments. Over the years, the country has also been influenced by various genres of music from around the world, including reggae, jazz, hip hop, and pop. The most popular form of music in Zimbabwe is called "mbira music," which is played using a traditional instrument called the mbira. This instrument has been used for centuries in Zimbabwean music and is known for its soothing and calming sound. In recent years, however, Zimbabwean musicians have also embraced other forms of music, such as gospel, R&B, and Afro-pop, which have gained quite a following among young people. With so many different styles of music to choose from, it's no wonder that Zimbabweans have such a diverse and vibrant music scene.
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