Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Editor
IT’S that weekend when some of the country’s best musical stars shift base and perform at the annual ZimFest, a music festival which is held in the UK, and already there is a buzz about this year’s event.
The festival, which began in 2001 as a way of promoting local talent in the UK and uniting the Zimbabwean Diaspora, has grown in stature over the years.
This year’s edition, scheduled for this weekend at Herts Country Showgrounds in London, will feature local artists such as Nisha Ts, Oriyano, Winky D, and Jah Signal.
They will share the stage with South African acts like Young Stunna and DJ Maphorisa, among others.
The festival, which is usually spread over over two days, will this year be held on one day.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts Hub, festival operations manager, Jan Paul, said he was excited about this year’s edition as it is offering a variety of performances.
Paul said apart from the musical show, the festival will see Zimbabweans in the diaspora also getting an opportunity to showcase their brands from fashion, food stalls, jewellery and gadgets.
“We are happy with the progress so far, and already guests have started trickling in, checking in at their nearby hotels. Some of the artists are already making their way and the stage is set for the much-awaited show,” he said.
“I would say the festival has been going strong since 2001.
“This year, we have made a few layout tweaks based on feedback like moving the Sky Terrace closer to the stage and putting the kids’ zone right in the middle of everything so families feel more included.”
He added:
“We have had some amazing talent over the years from Winky D, ShaSha, Jah Prayzah, Thomas Mapfumo, DJ Zinhle, Holy Ten, Freeman, to Kikky, among others.
“Some like Ex Q and Saintfloew have come back more than once, which is always a good sign,” he said.
Asked about how they select their performers, Paul said that they conduct surveys and polls based on fans’ votes.
“We listen to our audience. We run surveys through email and social media and we talk to people in person, too.
“Their input helps us shape each year’s line-up.”
He said the festival is all about community, culture and connection.
“It started as a way to bring Zimbabweans in the UK together and it’s grown into something special for the whole diaspora.
“We decided to go back to one day so we can give it our full energy and deliver the best experience.
“Every year we learn, adapt and grow, mostly thanks to the honest feedback we get from our guests.”
Mathew Masinge