Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TOP Jamaican reggae artistes Chris Martin and Busy Signal firmly believe that Zimbabwean musicians can achieve global success through self-belief, hard work and collaborations.
The dynamic duo, part of the 2025 Kadoma Music Festival scheduled for Saturday at The Odyssey Hotel, expressed their admiration for local talent during a press conference in Harare, where they emphasised the importance of love and unity among artistes.
“I feel the love being in Zimbabwe. It’s going to be a big deal on stage in Kadoma,” Martin remarked.
The “Cheaters Prayer” hit-maker told journalists that he is committed to continuing his collaboration with local artists following the success of their hit song “Zimbabwean Queen” featuring Freeman. “There is a lot of love here. I love it, and I would love to visit Victoria Falls after the show,” he added.
Fellow countryman Busy Signal echoed similar sentiments, expressing his amazement at Zimbabwe’s hospitality. He also received a warm welcome upon his arrival on Wednesday, just like Martin.
“It’s going to be a big deal; I love being here with the people of Zimbabwe. I love the people here,” he stressed. The “Dreams of Brighter Days” hit-maker also praised Zimbabwe for its talent during the same press conference.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this year’s edition, Freeman, could not hide his joy at sharing the stage with his role models.
“Growing up, I have always wanted to collaborate with these two Jamaican artists. For me, it’s a dream come true because I will be rubbing shoulders with two of my role models. This is the kind of collaboration that I have been yearning for over the years,” he stated.
“I will make sure that I nail it on stage because this is a special moment for me that I will always cherish for years to come.”
Feli Nandi, Quonfuzed, and Kurai Makore, who are also part of the line-up, graced the press conference, where they expressed their desire to learn from each other.
“It’s exciting to be back home after such a long time away. This is my first visit in six years, and I am looking forward to the Kadoma Festival,” he shared.
“I have been away for some time doing music, and meeting my people is a plus for me.”
Notable absentee at the press conference was Alick Macheso, who is also part of the line-up. He is expected to add variety in Kadoma as one of the father figures in showbiz. Meanwhile, Kadoma Music Festival founder Tichaona Mharadze handed over the festival to his two children, Karen and Prince.
“It’s an annual event that has become popular with fans, and we want them to enjoy it to the fullest,” said festival pioneer Tich Mharadze in a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub. The Kadoma businessman expressed that it has always been their wish to bring fans to Kadoma and its environs.
“Our wish has always been to make fans happy, and this festival has become a national event. If you have been following the trends, you will realise that it is attracting hordes of fans from across the country,” said the festival founder in a recent interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
The festival has also created moments that many people still cherish. Judging by the line up, fans are in for a real treat, as Busy Signal and Chris Martin are tried-and-tested performers.
After all, the headlining acts’ music is popular with locals. In terms of variety, attendees can expect a mixed bag of genres at this musical extravaganza.
