Zarina Drops “Kwaito”
POPULAR dancehall vibes are all about good taste and Zarina Hassan has proved she chooses her music carefully.
A manicurist by day and singer in dancehall clubs at night, the Pretoria-based Zarina has decided to bring some of her dancehall Kwaito vibes back home. And from the look of things, she is poised to rock.
Zarina recently recorded her debut album Jukira at the No-End Entertainment studios. The title track is already a favourite in night clubs, while its video is enjoying fair rotation on Channel 5 (East Africa TV).
Zarina’s debut CD is a blend of Kwaito, funk and house dance music that is popular in the South African townships.
No need for Ugandans to feel alienated though.
The CD has funky grooves and hypnotising voices. Throw in some rap from Vamposs and you will get the real dance-floor friendly vibe - that is Zariana’s music.
In Jukira, a woman reminds a man to fulfil his promise of walking her down the aisle, while in Kangume, she tells of what a joy it is for anyone to have be married.
We have heard such themes before, but Zarina’s unique beats make her music fresh.
Her only undoing is that her type of music will only appeal to a limited age group, mainly young people.
Born in Jinja, 28 years ago to business-parents, Zarina was always at the forefront of the drama club at Wairaka College (now Muljibhai Madhvani College).
When she went to study in Kampala, she also became a top performer in the karaoke pubs. Sometime, she sung alongside Luther T of the Gents. But she had to go to the Jenkins Beauty College, East London to study manicure. Then, she returned home briefly before heading to South Africa.
“There are township pubs in South Africa where I often go to sing to immigrants from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Gabon, and Tanzania. By now, I believe I have learnt what it takes to entertain a crowd,” she says.
[Via New Vision]
