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Tafadzwa Zimoyo in UK
Local artistes who performed at the just-ended Zimbabwe Music Festival (ZimFest) Live UK have showered praises on the organisers for a well-coordinated event that brought oneness among themselves.
The two-day event held at Hertfordshire County Showground, St Albans, England, saw musicians from genres such as Jiti, Afropop, Afro-contemporary, Zimdancehall, Hip-Hop, Afro-fusion and Amapiano sharing the stage.
The line-up included Tocky Vibes, Freeman HKD, Killer T, Baba Harare, Holy 10, Feli Nandi, Berita, Kae Chaps, ShaSha, Musa Keys, Stunner, Saintfloew, ExQ, Crooger, Kikky and Dj Tamuka, who put up scintillating performances.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, local musicians shared their experience of the festival and encouraged promoters back home to emulate the stance of the ZimFest Live UK organisers.
Zimdancehall singer Freeman “HKD Boss” said he liked the professionalism from the ticketing to stage management.
“I was happy with the professional level conducted at the festival from the time we landed in UK,” he said.
“Everything went according to plan and the reception was good. One of the points of interest was ticketing where everything is done online, hence by that you would already know how many people are expected to be at the festival as they had already bought their tickets.
“The stage management is par excellence and I am happy back home we are almost there because the type of staging is also seen at our local shows.”
The “Joina City” hitmaker said the festival attracted all ages, with everyone catered for.
“The response was amazing and the fans had a good time. It was a family affair as the children were at their stage enjoying fun while we exchanged to entertain their parents,” he said.
Urban groove musician ExQ, who was the closing act, said he learnt the spirit of oneness and coordination.
“Everything had a point person from A-Z. Artistes were well taken care of and time management was key in this festival. I observed and learned the spirit of oneness even though we are coming from different genres,” he said.
“We acted as if we were a band, as things were flowing in sequence.
“We were much more united and I am happy the fans had a good time.
“Somehow, some festivals receive backlashes on social media, but this one seemed to be good although no one is perfect, there might have loopholes and I am happy they were rectified and explained.”
ExQ, who is a regular at the festival, said it brought memory of back home.
“It was not only about music, but we also witnessed exhibitions of some of the products we usually see at home from fashion, and food to artefacts,” he said.
Female rapper Kikky said the organisers hit a nine with the inclusion of young artistes.
“We used to hear back then the festival was about established musicians and yesteryear stars, but 2023 was different. We came, saw and conquered. The festival brought the youngsters of the game and it was also a good opportunity to experience and share the stage.”
Hip-hop singer Saintfloew said it was a great opportunity for him to meet his diaspora fans.
“It was a big event and we managed to interact with fans besides performing. We were safe and had fun. I have seen and learned a lot and I liked the welcome and reception. It was an eye-opening opportunity and I promise to take the lessons back home,” he said.
South Africa-based Zimbabwean afro-jazz and soul musician Berita Khumalo said the festival brought a vibe to her.
“I really enjoyed the show. I felt that there was a vibration and I was excited to take part, coming to perform to Zimbabweans, and as a Zimbabwean, we felt like we were home,” she said.
Meanwhile, the music festival, which has been running for 22 years, was attended by more than 9 000 people on the first day with the second day having a low turnout due to rains.
Hosts on stage were Empress Trish, Ade and Cody the Rank Marshall, who flawlessly sailed through during their segment.
Festival spokesperson, Jan Paul Weaper (Redcliff Management spokesperson) said the festival found its niche and brought music fans from across the world to celebrate the power of music, art, entrepreneurship and culture.
“Zimfest Live has become one of the largest and most loved African festivals, bringing amazing music and a great party atmosphere,” he said.
Weaper cleared the air on alleged poor sound which some fans on social media were blasting the festival organisers for.
“Our sound was good, what people did not understand is that we had two major events happening at the same time, the main stage and the Amapiano stage,” said Weaper.
“Activities were happening at the same time henceforth we had to control the sound so that each stage had its share of good time.
“This year we set out to make the festival larger and different. Working with our sponsors and partners, we changed the format to allow our audience to experience an event beyond just music that showcased creativity, innovation, and talent across the board.”
Online Reporter