He competed against several Djs, but as he evolved from raga to reggae and dancehall his music began to rise to the top. He became Winky D, while mastering the talent of merging social and emotional lyrics, with fast-paced urban dancehall music

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The Roots

Wallace Chirumiko was born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1983. Growing up in the country’s capital and its most populous city Chirumiko, only fueled his interest in music. At the age of 16, he began taking part in the Ghetto Lane Clashes, a right of passage for local Djs looking to showcase their work. He first earned the nickname Wicked Deejay after taking part in a number of these battles. He competed against several Djs, but as he evolved from raga to reggae and dancehall his music began to rise to the top. He became Winky D, while mastering the talent of merging social and emotional lyrics, with fast-paced urban dancehall music. Now, with five other albums under his belt, Winky D released Gafa Futi earlier in 2016. The title of the album, though not translated verbatim, loosely means “to help again.” His music is devoted to the struggle of everyday life in the ghetto. He sings of these trials and the search for happiness.

The Musical Influence

Many of Winky D’s influences stem from his time competing in battles in his hometown. Much of what made Zimdancehall so popular is that it allowed artists to blend their real life struggles with the popular dancehall sound.

The Sound

Winky D’s story is not uncommon. The difference is that with his music you can feel his raw communication. His blend of dancehall and reggae is prevalent through his ragga sound. Demonstrated in his first video single off of the “Disappear” album.

The Road

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