Emmanuel Kafe
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Jamaican dancehall king Beenie Man appears to have given rising Zimbabwean star Jnr Spragga a major international nod after inviting him on stage for a surprise collaboration at the Kadoma Music Festival at The Odyssey in Kadoma over the weekend.
The unexpected moment sent fans into a frenzy as the two dancehall stars shared the stage, turning Beenie Man’s performance into a celebration of the musical connection between Jamaica and Zimbabwe.Beenie Man, who had earlier shared the stage with local dancehall heavyweight Winky D, called Jnr Spragga up before launching into a joint performance that drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
The Jamaican superstar also dismissed the idea that the two countries’ dancehall movements were worlds apart. “Zimbabwean dancehall and Jamaican dancehall are one thing,” he said, acknowledging the growing reach of the local genre and revealing that some Jamaicans were familiar with Zimbabwean dancehall.
For Jnr Spragga, the moment was a significant highlight, offering him an opportunity to share the stage with one of the most influential figures in international dancehall.
The young musician, known for his energetic performances and streetwise dancehall sound, was visibly delighted by the collaboration, which could give his growing profile another boost.
Beenie Man, born Anthony Moses Davis, lived up to his reputation as a seasoned entertainer, keeping the crowd engaged with a string of dancehall hits and energetic stage work.
His catalogue includes the infectious *Who Am I (Sim Simma)*, as well as *King of the Dancehall* and *Girls Dem Sugar*, giving fans a taste of the music that has helped cement his place in the genre. The Jamaican star’s set also featured a brief appearance by Winky D, before Jnr Spragga joined him in a moment that became one of the festival’s talking points.Meanwhile, Jnr Spragga’s perceived rival, Hulengende, also delivered a memorable performance, despite being scheduled as the last act of the show. Hulengende kept fans on their feet with his popular tracks, proving that the rivalry between the two local dancehall stars continues to generate interest among music lovers.
While Jnr Spragga performed during the prime hours of the festival, Hulengende had the challenging task of entertaining the remaining crowd late into the night — and did not disappoint those who stayed.
The festival was, however, much bigger than the dancehall rivalry.
Congolese music star Awilo Longomba took fans down memory lane with his timeless hit *Carolina*, while Tendai Dembo opened the show before Feli Nandi set the stage alight with her powerful vocals.
Other performers included Kurai Makore, Sulumani Chimbetu, Selmor Mtukudzi and her husband Tendai Manatsa, who kept the entertainment flowing. Chillmaster brought a romantic touch to the festival with his love songs, giving couples plenty to sing along to, while Baba Harare, Leonard Zhakata and Alick Macheso reminded fans why their music continues to draw devoted followings.
From the infectious rhythms of Congolese rumba to the unmistakable sound of sungura and the raw energy of Zimdancehall, the Kadoma Music Festival delivered a diverse musical experience.
But for Jnr Spragga, the invitation to share the stage with Beenie Man may prove to be the moment that stands out long after the last notes faded at The Odyssey.
