Econet Marathon after-party to feature Victoria Falls talent

Artistes from the host city of the Victoria Falls Econet Marathon, Ray “Maffia King” Karipache, Tawanda Cephas Junior Matema (DJ CJ), and Daniel “Danman Croc” Ngwenya have been added to the line-up of performers at the race’s after-party. The musical concert dubbed the “Buddie Beatz Victory Show” will take place on Sunday at Baobab Primary School, the marathon’s permanent venue for the next decade.

The concert is set to start at 6pm and continue till late, with free admission. The Vic Falls artistes will join Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Feli Nandi, Nutty O, Tocky Vibes, and DJs King Her and Chiweddar in marking the end of the epic event. They were added onto the line-up after event organisers, Econet Zimbabwe responded to concerns from Victoria Falls residents and artistes about the initial line-up, which did not include any artistes from the host city.

In separate interviews, the trio expressed their excitement. Maffia King, a Zimdancehall musician, said this was a huge opportunity for him and his Danica Studios. “I feel honoured and humbled to be included in the Buddie Beatz Victory Show. We (artistes from Vic Falls) have always longed for this recognition as we’ve always wanted to showcase Victoria Falls talent. Being part of the performers is a dream come true, not only for me as Maffia King but also for Danica Studios.

“It will also be a platform to market our studio to other artistes and stakeholders who may need Danica Studios’ services,” he said. “I’d like to thank the organisers for reconsidering growing talent from the heart of Victoria Falls and Matabeleland North province.” Danman Croc, a hip-hop artiste, also known as Mr Vic Falls said: “I’m blessed to be sharing the stage with my icons Winky, Jah Prayzah, and Nutty O.”

He said he started off as a Zimdancehall artiste at the age of 14 and switched to hip-hop at the age of 17 in 2016. DJ CJ, who produced an Amapiano track with Zandimaz a few years ago, said: “I’m happy to share the stage with pacesetters and I’m looking forward to it. We have projects that we are going to release and it’s good to be on this stage to learn more.”

Preparations for the event are ongoing with the stage being set. The gig promises to be a perfect cooldown for thousands of local and international athletes registered for the 42km marathon, 21,5km half-marathon, fun run events, and the multitudes of fun lovers who usually travel to witness the race.

Econet Zimbabwe continues to roll out various corporate social responsibility initiatives across different sectors. The musical concert is one of many initiatives aimed at bringing the marathon closer to the community. —@ncubeleon