Zimdaily Journal Reporter
As his birthday approaches, Soul Jah Love is still a name that refuses to fade.
From kombis blasting his songs to ghetto youths singing along to his lyrics, the late chanter continues to command respect years after his death.
Soul Jah Love was born on November 22, 1989, and passed away at the age of 31 in February 2021.
Now, as artistes such as Hulengende and Jnr Spragga rise through the zimdancehall ranks, a familiar debate is emerging among music lovers: Can Zimbabwe ever produce another Soul Jah Love?
The late chanter, born Soul Musaka, was more than a musician.
He was a voice of the ghetto, telling stories of poverty, heartbreak, survival, and everyday struggles in a language that many locals understood.
His raw lyrics, emotional delivery, and ability to turn personal pain into music made him one of the most recognisable figures in zimdancehall.
Today, some fans see elements of his musical spirit in Hulengende and Jnr Spragga, whose music and delivery have drawn comparisons with the late chanter.
Like Soul Jah Love, Hulengende reportedly freestyles his lyrics in the booth rather than writing them down.
He also helps craft songs for other artistes, including his partner and collaborator, Malloti.
Also, Hulengende and Malloti’s chemistry has drawn comparisons with the late Soul Jah Love and Bounty Lisa, with their collaborations taking them to international stages, including the UK.
Jnr Spragga has drawn comparisons with Soul Jah Love through his raspy voice, emotional delivery, and lyrical style.
His song Daka also sparked debate, with some fans pointing to similarities with Soul Jah Love’s music, including Jombwa.
While critics accuse him of copying the late chanter’s style, his supporters see him as keeping Soul Jah Love’s musical spirit alive in modern zimdancehall.
However, drawing comparisons with Soul Jah Love is not necessarily a bad thing. His influence remains strong, and learning from his music could help artistes such as Hulengende and Jnr Spragga connect with fans.
The challenge, however, is balancing inspiration with originality. While keeping Soul Jah Love’s spirit alive, they also need to develop their own sounds and identities to stand out in zimdancehall.
