The buzz has taken over the local dancehall fraternity after Chronicles published that Winky D is ranked in the top 10 Best Dancehall Artists of all time above Sean Paul and Sizzla Kalonji (really?).
Before we go any further a disclaimer please, I love Winky D and I would rank him among the best local dancehall artists or even number 1 all things considered. But the truth however is I wouldnt go all the way to believe that the local chanter is better than Sean Paul or dancehall-reggae don dadas like Sizzla (c’mon!).
Here Goes The Truth!
The post about Winky D ranking top of the Ranker list was first published last year by an online blog here. At this time Winky was number 1 above even Vybz Kartel, Bennie Man or Mavado!
There is no doubt Winky has enough talent to stand against these guys but is he already better than them all things considered? Lets see, as the least is titled Best Dancehall Artists of All Time where was Winky D when the likes of Beenie Man started their dancehall journey in the 80s or when he produced the 90s hit ‘Healing’ with Lady Saw? Zim-Dancehall was not a thing by this time, sungura and other locally brewed genres were in play by the time, so how can we say he is better than them all time?
Okay that one didnt convince you right? How many international awards Winky D has, how many international shows has he done. Sean Paul has won many international awards including the prestigious Grammy Award and the MTV Music Award. He has toured many countries including countries in Europe, Africa and America.
In terms of sales, Sean Paul has been ranked by Billboard as the best selling dancehall artist of all time and yet is still ranked below Winky D.
So how come Winky D is still leading all things considered? The truth is Ranker.com is a website ranking system that allows people to rank things they are interested in. No one sits down to come up with the list anyone can add an item to be ranked and people vote with an up or down.
The system has been popularized among locals by posts as these which has propelled Zimbabweans to continue voting over the course of time resulting in Winky D standing the favor. It might not be surprising that the system is not popular to all the mass dancehall followers from different places.
Though it is lovely to celebrate our own in the top 10 it cannot basically be used as an international ranking system. We need to push our music internationally so that it can compete for real and be recognized. All the same Winky D has a great fan base locally as he is the only local artist entered!
