Emmanuel Kafe recently in Kadoma
Jamaican dancehall king Beenie Man turned up the heat at the fifth edition of the Kadoma Music Festival on Saturday night, delivering a career-spanning performance before handing rising Zimdancehall musician Jnr Spragga a moment to remember.
The Odyssey in Kadoma became a melting pot of musical generations, with international stars, local heavyweights and emerging performers sharing the spotlight at a festival that celebrated the enduring power of live music.
Beenie Man, a veteran of the global dancehall scene, wasted little time reminding fans why he remains one of the genre’s most recognisable names.
Armed with hits such as “Who Am I (Sim Simma)”, “King of the Dancehall” and “Girls Dem Sugar”, the Jamaican entertainer served up a dose of nostalgia and infectious rhythms, keeping the crowd engaged with his energetic stage presence.
But the night’s biggest talking point was the connection between Jamaican dancehall and Zimbabwe’s home-grown sound.
Beenie Man briefly shared the stage with local dancehall heavyweight Winky D for their collaboration “My Woman” before inviting Jnr Spragga to join him.
For the rising musician, the moment offered a rare opportunity to perform alongside an international figure whose influence spans generations of dancehall fans.
Beenie Man also acknowledged the close relationship between the two countries’ dancehall movements, declaring that Zimbabwean and Jamaican dancehall were essentially one.
It was a significant nod to Zimdancehall, a genre that has developed its own identity while drawing inspiration from Jamaica, the birthplace of dancehall.
The festival’s international flavour did not end with the Jamaican star.
Congolese rhumba sensation Awilo Longomba transported fans into the world of classic African dance music with his enduring hit “Carolina”, bringing a different rhythm to a night dominated by diverse sounds.
Zimbabwe’s established acts also proved that their catalogues continue to resonate with audiences.
Sungura maestro Alick Macheso brought his familiar sound to the stage, with songs such as “Madhawu” reinforcing his enduring connection with fans.
Macheso keeps fans talking, and Kadoma was no exception.
Sungura maestro Macheso continues to prove that his influence goes beyond music, with the veteran entertainer bringing his A-game to the Kadoma Music Festival while giving fans something new to talk about.
Apart from his energetic performance and familiar hits, Macheso caught the eye with a fresh hairstyle, popularly known as “magodi”, adding another talking point to his appearance.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo frontman has mastered the art of keeping audiences entertained both on and off the stage, where his fashion choices and personal style often attract attention.
In Kadoma, Macheso served his music while ensuring that his latest look also had its moment in the spotlight.
Leonard Zhakata revisited a catalogue that includes the much-loved “Mugove”, while Sulumani Chimbetu represented the continuing appeal of dendera music.
The line-up also created space for younger and contemporary voices.
Feli Nandi showcased her distinctive vocals, while Selmor Mtukudzi performed alongside her husband, Tendai Manatsa.
Selmor, daughter of the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi, continues to carry her own musical identity while remaining connected to a celebrated family legacy.
Chillmaster brought a romantic touch with his love songs, while Kurai Makore represented the Chimurenga tradition associated with his uncle, Thomas Mapfumo. Hulengende added to the festival’s dancehall offering.
Tendai Dembo opened the show, setting the pace for a programme that moved between sungura, rhumba, dancehall and contemporary Zimbabwean music.
Baba Harare and other performers further demonstrated the breadth of local talent.
With the VIP and VVIP sections packed and the general admission area adding to the festival atmosphere, the event showcased the drawing power of established names while giving emerging musicians a chance to reach a wider audience.
Now in its fifth year, the Kadoma Music Festival has become a meeting point for local and international performers, bringing music fans to the city and placing Zimbabwean talent alongside acts with global reach.
This year’s edition was defined by that meeting of generations and sounds, but Beenie Man’s performance particularly his moment with Winky D and his invitation to Jnr Spragga gave the festival one of its most memorable talking points.
In Kadoma, Jamaican fire met Zimbabwean rhythm, and dancehall became a shared language.
