Hulengende vs Jnr Spragga: The Rivalry Driving Zimdancehall’s New Era
Story By Staff Reporter
Zimdancehall has two names that dominate the conversation right now: Hulengende and Jnr Spragga. Fans call them “Mukambo” and “Dare Guru.” They trade the number one spot on trending chart applications. They are also the hottest topic on stage and across social media.
Who Is Hulengende?
Hulengende’s real name is Ezbornwage Chidamajaya. Many fans also know him as Baba Mhondoro. He rose to mainstream attention in 2025 with the viral hit “Fadza Madzimai.” The song sparked a TikTok dance challenge and reached number one on the Apple Music Zimbabwe Top 100.
His music has heavy street energy and a raw lyrical style. He raps in Shona, so his songs speak directly to youths in the ghettos. However, his provocative lyrics have also sparked public debate about content and censorship.
His recent releases include “Zunza Mupunduru,” “Chingonzwisisa Baby (To Millicent)” and “Shepiriyona.” His “Tsvimbo Mutauro” project also carries tracks such as “Manake,” “Zvigananda” and “Kwadabuka.” He additionally released “Munoshamisa” with Jnr Spragga, Malloti, Calvin Mangena, Delroy Shewe and Nicky Genius.
Who Is Jnr Spragga?
Jnr Spragga’s real name is Nyasha Emanuel Dedza. He comes from Chitungwiza and calls himself “The Conquering Prince.” He leads the Dareguru Movement, based in Chitungwiza. His stage name honours Jamaican dancehall star Spragga Benz.
Soul Jah Love mentored him, and he treated the late icon as a teacher and boss. In February 2025, he tattooed Soul Jah Love’s face on his arm as a tribute. In 2024, he finished as runner-up at the National Cup Clash. He has built his name on hits such as “MaRulez,” “How Far,” “DAKA” and “Twerka.”
Two Artists, One Musical Lineage
Both artists follow the musical style of the late Soul Jah Love. Their sound, however, is not identical. Hulengende leans on raw street anthems and viral dance movements. Jnr Spragga, on the other hand, brings heavy lyrical weight and a chanter persona that earns deep respect in high-density suburbs.
Fans constantly pit them against each other in “hit for hit” mixes and online debates. Some even imagine a cup clash between them. Meanwhile, both men keep swapping places on the trending charts.
Contrasting Characters
Their public personas differ sharply. Hulengende has a lovable but volatile character. As a result, controversy follows him, and social media never runs short of drama around “Mukambo.”
Jnr Spragga, in contrast, tries hard to contain his own volatile side. Some people therefore read his reserve as ego. Whatever the truth, the contrast keeps both men in the headlines.
Business Structures and Family Ties
Their management setups also differ. Hulengende runs the MalloNgende movement with his wife Malloti, who was once Hwinza’s girlfriend. Together they manage themselves. Jnr Spragga, in contrast, works under a manager known as Patron.
Family also links the two rivals. Jnr Spragga has a child with Indica, Malloti’s sister. Malloti is married to Hulengende. Indica has also started her own movement, and she now works with a new artist called Lanko Mutokonyo. These connections explain why their rivalry often looks like a family affair.
Catalogue and Influence
Hulengende holds the record for the number of songs released so far. Consequently, he slightly overlaps Jnr Spragga in the number of top hits. Even so, comparing their overall influence remains difficult because both men are at the top of their game.
Hulengende also keeps juggling more than one show per night. That workload shows how much promoters want him.
Jnr Spragga’s pull with wealthy figures is just as hard to ignore. Businessman Scott Sakupwanya recently gave him a vehicle. The late Wicknell Chivayo also gave him a house.
Hulengende has had his own share of generosity. During his peak year, Minister Kudakwashe Tagwirei showered him with US$10,000.
Lessons From Soul Jah Love and Seh Calaz
This is not the first time a rivalry has shaped Zimdancehall. The feud between Soul Jah Love and Seh Calaz remains the defining one in the genre’s history.
Soul Jah Love had an infectious cadence, witty metaphors and fierce street loyalty. Seh Calaz countered with an aggressive chanter style and realistic ghetto struggle anthems. Each man also had a fiercely protective fan base.
Their rivalry peaked at the Zimdancehall Sting in November 2014 at the City Sports Centre. Fans expected a clash to decide who ruled the genre. Instead, tensions spilled into the crowd, and police used teargas amid a stampede. Fans still debate who won specific rounds that night.
Afterwards, Chill Spot Records brought the two together on “Kurara Hope” in early 2015. The song helped mend fences. Both men were then remembered as pioneers who built the modern industry.
How Rivalry Lifts the Genre
Healthy competition pushes artists to work harder. Soul Jah Love and Seh Calaz are proof. Their battle produced sharper lyrics, bigger shows and record attention for Zimdancehall.
The same logic applies today. Hulengende and Jnr Spragga fight for chart positions, so each pushes the other to release stronger music. In turn, fans stream more, share more and fill more venues. Sponsors and wealthy supporters also notice the energy.
However, the 2014 Sting carries a warning. Rivalry must stay on the stage and in the studio. Any street tension, including the rumours of altercations and online back-and-forth that have followed Hulengende and Jnr Spragga, can damage the genre. Both artists have clarified their relationship at different times, describing a mix of competition and industry brotherhood.
What Comes Next
Hulengende and Jnr Spragga may never agree on who is number one. Nevertheless, their duel is good for Zimdancehall. It keeps fans engaged and the charts moving. Above all, it keeps alive the spirit that Soul Jah Love and Seh Calaz left behind.
