Judgement Yard's I-Randu on how he's helped transform the Zim reggae scene

Judgement Yard has made a mark on the Zimbabwe reggae scene and at the fore front is Harare-born Youngson Kudita, also known as l-Randu.  

As a teenager, l-Randu was inspired mainly by the late Billiard Sinclair, also known as Jah B, who was a Jamaican national resident in Zimbabwe.

"We started going to Rumours Nite Club where Jah B and his Sound Stereo One performed," l-Randu told OneVybe. "It was a reggae joint and that's when l fell in love with reggae music.


Judgment Yard Vol 19

---

"l moved to the United Kingdom in 1997 and continued to frequent Jamaican night clubs because l was a big fan of the music and culture.

"In 2008 l decided to permanently relocate back to Zimbabwe with my family but things where not the same 'cause reggae music was on the decline," said l-Randu.

He told OneVybe that because Jah B, who had been the main player in the reggae scene, had passed away things were not the same.

"The clubs were now being classified as 'for the poor and only for the ghetto youths'

"Basically, it was not the same. House music and Kwaito dominated the club scene, so l decided to open my own reggae club in Warren park (Pamereki) called Judgement Yard.

"l linked up with DJ Two Bad, DJ Flevah, Mc Etherton Bennie and MC Abisha Palmer.

"The response was overwhelming, it was actually beyond my own expectations. The whole country needed it."


Judgement Yard Vol 18

---

l-Randu said that people in Zimbabwe were hungry for reggae music and soon after they started, their venue could no longer handle the increasing numbers.

"In 2010 we made the strategic move to team up with Redfox Hotel where we are currently based. It's a bigger venue and it can accommodate our ever growing Judgement Yard family.

"Two years ago we approached ZiFM Stereo, the biggest radio station in Zimbabwe, and we managed to secure a slot to play every Thursday from 9pm till midnight, Zim time."

Being on radio has helped the Zimbabwean Dancehall or simply Zim dancehall genre grow into one of the most popularly sounds in the country.  

"We have also had the privilege to work with international artists like Sizzla, Luciano, Elephant man, Mavado, Luton Fyah, Fanton Mojah. It's a good experience to work with and host such big artists and it's good for exposure."


Judgement Yard Vol 17

---

Judgement Yard, as a brand is growing fast and l-Randu said, "I can proudly say we are the best and biggest reggae sound or movement in Zimbabwe. The reception we receive throughout the country is humbling.

"We are now a household brand. We are also getting a good reception in southern Africa, particularly South Africa and recently Botswana.

On the 23rd and 24th of October 2014, Chez Ntemba International and BabyRas Entertainment, Dancehall Yard and Bashment Sound SA in South Africa will be presenting a night of Dancehall and Reggae with ZiJudgement Yard respectively.

"By popular demand, we are also travelling to the United Kingdom as a group in March next year. We believe that this is just the beginning and the sky is the limit. We are destined for greatness."  

In addition to his own success, I-Randu believes in helping youngsters who are coming up in the industry and told OneVybe:"We also believe in 'edutainment'. To help the youths to realise and maximise their full potential from a musical point of view. Special thanks to the Presidential Click, Redfox Hotel, Legendary Sound!! With God all things are Possible."

For more information please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/judgement.yard.14?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ZiJudgement-Yard-on-ZiFM/104910106325435?fref=ts
- OneVybe