Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
GERMANY-based hip-hop firebrand Awa Khiwe has just made history and it’s loud, proud and Ndebele!
The bold rapper became the first Zimbabwean creative to perform at the iconic Glastonbury Festival, the world’s largest Greenfield music and arts extravaganza held at Worthy Farm, Pilton in England.
Running from 25 to 30 June, the massive event featured global chart-toppers like Busta Rhymes, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA, and Little Simz. But all eyes were on 26 June when Awa Khiwe stepped onto that legendary stage and delivered a high-voltage one-hour set that brought raw African energy and Ndebele pride to the UK.
“It’s a dream I never thought I’d live,” Awa said. “Performing at Glastonbury is one of the biggest moments of my life. The biggest stage in the UK and probably the world, and there I was, a girl from Nkayi, spitting rhymes in Ndebele!”
The queen of Zim hip-hop also joined powerhouse all-female band GRRRL as they celebrated nine years of global touring. Their collaboration left the crowd in awe.
“That was such a moment,” Awa added. “Being on stage with GRRRL, sharing that sisterhood and power, made it even more unforgettable.”
But Awa Khiwe, as usual, didn’t just light up the mic, she also brought her voice to the discussion table. She was invited as a panellist at one of the festival’s conferences, where she spoke about the power of music in preserving language and culture.
“I’ve been pushing Ndebele rap for 15 years. I went door to door begging people to believe it could work. And many didn’t. Not because the music wasn’t good, but because we had stopped believing we were worthy,” she said.
“For too long, we placed Zulu rap from South Africa above our own. We never thought Ndebele could be global. But now we know it can.”
Awa, who boldly declares herself the first woman to rap in Ndebele, is on a mission to show that her language, style and voice belong on the world stage.
“I’m proud of everyone who has ever vibed to Ndebele rap, especially those who don’t even understand the language. It means everything,” she said.
Her Glastonbury appearance is a landmark moment for Zimbabwean music. And it’s only the beginning.
derick.khumalo