Artistes ready to light up Baf Kings and Queens Concert

Local creatives are set to light up the stage at the Kings and Queens Concert, one of the flagship events of the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), taking place at the Large City Hall at 6pm today.

The festival, which began on Tuesday and runs until Saturday, is being held under the theme “Building Bridges, Preserving Connections”. It brings together artistes, creatives and cultural enthusiasts in a celebration of Bulawayo’s rich artistic heritage.

The Kings and Queens Concert, expected to attract music lovers from across the city and beyond, will showcase some of Bulawayo’s most celebrated performers in a night of live music and high-energy entertainment.

The line-up includes Mzoe 7, Bhila, Mandie Mae, Macala, Matojeni Melo-Maniacs, MJ Sings and Phathi Ncube, with Cde Phil and Mma Nare set to host the show as MCs.

Matojeni Melo-Maniacs director Blessings Nqo said the group is excited to be part of the showcase, which also serves as a build-up to their upcoming European tour.

“We’re delighted to be part of Baf, a platform where we celebrate our cultural identity as a city. We don’t take it lightly to be part of the Kings and Queens Concert because this is where it all started for us. Now, it’s time for us to give our people a quality performance,” Blessings Nqo said.

“We’re scheduled for a European tour from the end of June until October, with performances lined up in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. This performance at Baf will show how ready we are,” he added.

Afro-pop musician MJ Sings said performing at Baf remains a great honour, adding that fans should expect a polished and memorable set.

“I’ve been working tirelessly with my band in preparation for the show. I promise to deliver nothing but the best of MJ Sings live, taking the audience through some of their favourite songs from my catalogue,” he said.
Mzoe 7 said he and his team are ready to deliver a high-energy performance packed with audience interaction and surprises.

“It’s very important for Bulawayo to celebrate its identity, talent and rich cultural heritage. Events like Baf create opportunities for local artistes, businesses and communities to come together and showcase what our city has to offer.

“I’m privileged to be part of the Kings and Queens Concert and to share the stage with such talented artistes. This festival helps put Bulawayo on the map as a vibrant cultural hub,” he said.
Young Afro-pop artiste Macala said he is excited to be making his Baf debut and promised fans a thrilling performance.

“I’m a bit nervous as it’s my first time performing on such a huge platform. I’m, however, more than ready to show the city what I am capable of delivering on stage. I promise fireworks and surprises on my set,” he said.