Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Ugandan TikTok sensation Dexter Rapper — real name Christopher Tembo Promise — could not hide his excitement after setting foot in Harare for the first time.
The rising star, who has been making waves across East Africa alongside his 61-year-old father through their viral dance routines, said performing in Zimbabwe was nothing short of a dream come true.
“I’ve been to Kenya, I’ve been to Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda and now Zimbabwe. If I can compare, Zimbabwe is better because of many things… but traffic is a lot, man. Traffic is a lot. I’ve been hearing about Harare being compared to other cities, but I like it, is better than other cities. Harare is best — come on, good services, good food. I like it so much, actually,” he said.
Dexter Rapper and his father, affectionately known as Dexta and Dad, became a household name on TikTok for their high-energy father-son dance moves, earning a loyal following across the continent.
Their tour has already taken them to Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Rwanda, where they left fans raving about their ability to fuse comedy, dance, and music into unforgettable performances.
But nothing prepared them for the reception they received in Harare. On Saturday, at the sixth edition of Girlfest Zimbabwe held at Old Hararians Sports Club, their 12-minute routine unleashed pure madness.
From the first beat, their signature waist-shaking moves set the venue alight, with ladies screaming, cheering and dancing along without pause.
“I’ve performed in many countries, but Harare is the best city I’ve visited so far,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub after his act.
“To be invited to come and perform in Zimbabwe, in the big city like Harare, for just a performance, like a musician, you know, was a dream come true.”
Sharing the stage with Zimbabwean and South African favourites such as DJ Mimi, DJ Pretty Gangsta, DJ King Her, Quonfuzed, Chillmaster, Kae Chaps, Tamy Moyo, ExQ and Black Diamond (RSA), Dexter Rapper described it as an honour to be part of such a line-up.
In an earlier interview with KVG on Star FM, the artist opened up about the roots of his musical journey.
“There is someone called Dexter Daps from Jamaica — he has inspired me for many years. I just removed ‘Daps’ and added ‘Rapper’ coming up with Dexter D Rapper. I started music seven years ago. I’ve hustled a lot with this music. Maybe God listened to my prayer because I’ve been praying to God to make this happen.”
While the father-son duo have taken social media by storm, Dexter Rapper is quick to note that their success is built on strong family support.
“My dad is 61, he has always been like that. Daddy was a bowler growing up. Yes, he has the fitness.
“My mother doesn’t have a problem with us. Mommy is happy, she doesn’t have any negative energy. She can now put on a nice dress, she can put on a nice shoe — you know, yeah, life changed.”
Girlfest, running under the theme “Old Money Casual Summer,” once again blended fashion, music, and empowerment into one unforgettable celebration. Women came dressed in effortless elegance, embodying sophistication in line with the festival’s ethos.
But the event was not just about performances. Sip & Paint sessions added artistry, the Hugging Booth spread warmth, and Affirmation Activations reminded women of their strength, beauty, and worth — creating a vibrant atmosphere of sisterhood and summer joy.
And for Dexta and Dad, Zimbabwe will forever remain special — a place where their 12 minutes of madness turned into a lifetime memory.
