Zim dancehall star Jah Signal has been forced to explain the meaning of his song — Stonyeni — after heavy criticism from social media users who accused the ‘Tirarira singer’ of promoting s*x among the youths.
The number off his upcoming studio album Jaya has since gone viral with social media users confusing the word for sexual intercourse.
In an interview with Gem Nation News, Jah Signal who coined the word Stonyeni, said it means unconditional love.
“The first time people heard the word was when I released the song Sweetie (Shinga Muroora). I have since recorded a song which is off the upcoming album Jaya titled Stonyeni.
“I know music is open to different interpretations but for me, it is a love song and Stonyeni means unconditional love as heard from the lyrics in Sweetie (Shinga Muroora),” Jah Signal said.
He denied that he was in the habit of sampling songs already in public domain or those that people sing during funerals.
“I just follow the melody and this is why I only fuse lyrics from songs already in public domain,” he said.
The likes of Cephas Moto Muzhinji Mashakada became popular for singing popular hymns and choruses.
Jaya, a 12-track album is due out Wednesday and an official release party is scheduled for Sankayi Club starting at 7pm.
The high riding dancehall chanter’s video of Sweetie (Shinga Muroora) recently surpassed the million view mark barely two months after release on YouTube.
The video opens with Jah Signal asking for ‘Stonyeni’ from a girl.
Born Nicodemus Mutize, the dancehall chanter uses a popular bar and funeral hymns in the song. He also fuses in lyrics from Pastor Charles Charamba.
The song has proved to be a popular hit in clubs, pubs and kombis and one of the most fancied tracks in his career.
