Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
JAMAICAN dancehall star Beenie Man is set to return to Zimbabwe for the third time when the Kadoma Odyssey Festival celebrates its fifth edition.
Festival Director, Prince Mharadze, said Beenie Man’s return was driven by his long standing connection with Zimbabwe and his appreciation of the country’s music and people.
“We always focus on the fans. We like to bring international artists who have a connection and appreciation for Zimbabwe, our music and our people. “Beenie Man’s history of coming to Zimbabwe and already having collaborated with Zimbabwean artists is an exciting prospect for us,” he said. The festival will also feature Congolese rumba star Awilo Longomba, whose inclusion is expected to appeal to Zimbabwe’s strong following of the genre.
Prince said the festival would also provide a platform for some of the country’s emerging musicians, including Jnr Spraga, to showcase their talents.
“Awilo Longomba is a very exciting part of the line-up given the love of rhumba music in Zimbabwe. “This year we’ve seen the growth and rise of new stars in Zimbabwe such as Jnr Spraga and Feli Nandi,” he said.
Meanwhile, sungura giant Alick Macheso and dancehall star Winky D will once again be part of the festival.
They also featured in two previous editions.
Prince said the two musicians have continued to reinvent themselves throughout their long careers. “There is not much that can be said to enhance their legacies, they are already legends.
“Despite their years of service, they are always reinventing and redefining themselves with their creativity and electrifying performances.
“Expect magic,” he said.
In 2010, Beenie Man performed three of his hit songs at that time with Cindy Munyavi.
The two performed, ‘‘Girlz Dem Sugar’’, ‘‘Feel It Boy’’ and ‘‘Dude’’.
In 2017, Beenie Man performed and shared the stage with Winky D.
He famously praised Winky D by saying, “When Winky D was performing, I thought I was in Jamaica.”
