Popular pioneers of Zimdancehall include Winky D, Decibel, Sniper Storm, Bootkin Clan, Daddie Distress, Ras Tavonga (Jah Bless), Freeman HKD, and Lewaz Skattah.
By the end of the 1990s, a number of local youths were recording singles and albums independently and reggae bands like Cruxial Mix (Trevor Hall) and Black Roots holding regular weekly shows to showcase artists.
In 2004, a hardcore dancehall album with lyrics in Shona rather than English or patois proved popular.
[1] This coincided with political and economic sanctions in Zimbabwe making internet access affordable for many artists.
[2][failed verification] Tracks were sent by post to the UK or uploaded in internet cafes with funding from the website.