Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimdancehall stalwart King Labash might have settled well in Europe, but he still has his roots at heart.
Born Lloyd Charles Muponda and raised in Chitungwiza, the “Kukonzeresa” hit-maker is still working closely with local stars in this particular genre.
Labash, who plies his trade in Belgium where he has settled well, is back home ahead of a couple of recordings and shows — proof that he still remains relevant both locally and abroad.
He has also been slotted into the line-up for the upcoming Bhandii Festival, set to take place at the City Sports Centre over the weekend.
A brainchild of Seh Calaz — real name Tawanda Mumanyi — the one-day festival is headlined by Jamaican chanter Charly Black. It will be a celebration of Zimdancehall, where stalwarts and newcomers will share the stage under one roof.
One of the important guests is Labash, who flew all the way from France, where he was on tour.
“I am ready for the Bhandii Festival being organised by Seh Calaz,” Labash shared.
“Of course, I am coming there for a couple of projects that I hope to work on within a month. There will be some recordings, of course, and we are also looking forward to Calaz’s festival.”
Now residing in Waasmunster, East Flanders — 53 km from Brussels and 31 km from Antwerp — he has become a familiar face at prestigious festivals in this small yet vibrant European nation.
“I know I might have settled well overseas, but I still love my country, which is why I am always in touch with my peers back home.
“I am always in touch with local promoters and artistes, because I know that I have a constituency to cater for. I am ready to work with anyone back home, and being a torch-bearer, this is the perfect opportunity for me to fully show my class.”
Coming from the same generation of Zimdancehall stars as Winky D (Wallace Chirumiko), Sniper Storm (Donald Chirisa) and Badman (Newton Gwanangura), among others, Labash has defied the odds — proving that with focus, nothing is impossible in showbiz.
His journey started in Chitungwiza before he moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he participated in prestigious festivals. Due to his strong links and connections, he ended up settling overseas, where he has become a household name.
Despite the fame he commands overseas, he still remains grounded, making international headlines.
Better known for club bangers such as “Rasta Ndoenda Nemi”, “Burn”, “Kukonzeresa” and many others, Labash has vowed to continue shining in foreign lands.
Backed by the KD Sound system from the Netherlands during most of his tours, the chanter is reaping rewards for hard work and consistency.
Labash revealed that focus has taken him far.
“The issue at hand right now is that we have made it this far due to powerful connections and by linking up with the right people.
“I came to South Africa around 2009/10 and settled in Cape Town, where I was supported by the Rudimentals Band, a multi-racial group. With their backing, I managed to perform at several festivals here, including MTN Bushfire and the 2010 FIFA World Cup promotional events.
“I also left for Cyprus, where I stayed for a couple of years, before returning to South Africa and finally settling in Belgium in 2019,” he recounted.
Seven years later, Labash, who has been living overseas, urged locals to invest in synergies.
“I can confidently say that I achieved this and that through the right connections. Through collaborations, I have managed to release major hits like “Burn,” which had remarkable streams upon release and can be played anywhere in the world.
“This is what powerful connections can bring to someone if they truly work hard,” he reiterated.
Labash has participated in high-profile music festivals across Europe, which has become his second home. Last week, he was in France holding a series of shows, and that alone has made him a star.
He praised European promoters for enhancing inclusivity in their shows.
“I am in love with the music scene here because negative attitudes, grudges and hate don’t exist. People are busy supporting each other and coming up with different concepts every year. I am so grateful to have all these supportive people around me,” he added.
With many foreign creatives reeling from racism, Labash revealed that he was safe and in a better place in Belgium, where his creativity had been enhanced.
“To be honest, during the time that I have been here, I haven’t experienced it. Of course, sometimes you meet good people and sometimes bad ones, but it’s like that everywhere in the world.”
Now that he is back home on vacation, Labash has vowed to spread overseas love.
Despite all the exposure overseas, he still has time to interact with his peers, among them Seh Calaz.
