Zimdancehall isn’t just a genre — it’s a voice, a culture, and a movement. Rooted in the everyday struggles and dreams of Zimbabwe’s youth, it has risen from the townships and ghettos to inspire millions across borders. But for too long, the artists behind this powerful movement have faced barriers: lack of funding, predatory deals, unsustainable careers, and no path to long-term financial freedom.

The Dancehall Music Co-op was created to change that — by bringing artists together to build their own future through collective power, shared resources, and co-operative ownership.

Why a Music Co-operative?

The traditional music industry is stacked against the artist. High production costs, no access to capital, and no retirement safety net — these challenges have silenced many voices before they had a chance to rise.

The co-operative model gives artists a new path:

• Members pool contributions to fund each other’s music, videos, shows, and merchandise.

• Artists borrow against their contribution history and repay from their actual earnings.

• A portion of every contribution also builds a retirement fund for long-term security.

• Decision-making is democratic — every voice counts, from rising talents to industry veterans.

This is music business on our own terms.

How It Works

At the core of the co-op is shared capital. Artists contribute monthly from gigs, streams, merchandise sales, or donor-backed grants. These funds:

1. Finance music and related projects.

2. Act as savings and retirement.

3. Build personal borrowing power.

When an artist gets funded, they repay from actual earnings. Once a project starts generating income, a portion is returned to the co-op — helping fund the next artist. It’s a self-sustaining cycle of empowerment.

Powered by the Cooperative Debentures Exchange (CDE)

To grow beyond what members can contribute alone, the co-op invests through the Cooperative Debentures Exchange (CDE) — a platform that multiplies members’ money through safe, diversified, commodity-backed investments.

This model:

• Grows member savings.

• Unlocks larger funding pools for big projects (like tours or international collabs).

• Reduces risk by spreading investments across sectors (agriculture, housing, energy, etc.).

A Global Network of Dancehall Artists

The co-op isn’t limited to Zimbabwe. It welcomes Dancehall artists from all over the world — Jamaica, London, Nairobi, Toronto, Accra — to join as equal members. Through this network:

• Members collaborate across borders.

• New skills and knowledge are shared.

• Global opportunities open up for local artists.

This isn’t just a co-op — it’s a pan-African and global Dancehall alliance.

A Social Movement for Change

Dancehall artists carry influence — and the co-op makes sure it’s used for impact. Every member commits to volunteer hours for community initiatives, including:

• Drug and alcohol awareness.

• Mentorship and education support.

• Anti-violence and gender equality campaigns.

• School visits and street-level performances with positive messaging.

Through music, fashion, and public presence, the co-op tackles the social issues facing our youth.

Merchandising and Youth Industry Creation

The Dancehall Music Co-op Brand — sold on coops.africa — is more than merch. It’s a youth-powered economy. Artists design and promote the brand, while young designers, printers, transporters, and shop owners build a real industry around it. Backpacks, bottles, clothing, groceries, and more — every product creates income for someone in the chain.

Buyers don’t just get style — they fund the movement.

Partnerships That Respect the Culture

The co-op partners with merchants and corporates who share its values — not to exploit the culture, but to amplify it. Brand deals, campaigns, and sponsored initiatives are built on:

• Shared value.

• Fair revenue splits.

• Cultural respect.

• Social responsibility.

This isn’t influence for hire. It’s commerce with conscience.

Who Can Join?

• Zimdancehall artists (new or established)

• Global Dancehall artists

• Producers, DJs, managers, and creatives

• Anyone aligned with the co-op’s principles

Members must apply, share samples of work, and commit to the mission. The co-op reserves the right to accept or decline applications to protect its integrity and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join if I’m new?
Yes. Talent, not fame, is what we care about.

What if I can’t contribute every month?
We understand the hustle. Let us know — we’ll work with you.

How are profits shared?
Artists keep most of their income. The co-op gets a fair share to fund others and grow.

Can I leave the co-op?
Yes, with formal notice. Your contributions remain in the system, and exit is handled fairly.

Become a Founding Member

Founding members get:

• Influence in shaping the co-op’s policies.

• Priority access to funding.

• Recognition as pioneers of a revolutionary model.

• A legacy that empowers the next generation.

Final Word: This Is Bigger Than Music

The Dancehall Music Co-op is the heartbeat of a new economy — artist-owned, community-driven, youth-powered. It is a platform where talent meets opportunity, and music funds real change.

🎤 Own your future.
💰 Fund your hustle.
🧢 Wear the culture.
🌍 Build the movement.

Welcome to the Dancehall Music Co-op. Welcome to the revolution.