Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
CONSISTENCY and strong networking are invaluable assets in any field: in showbiz, sports, or other spheres where stamina and collaborations are essential.
Achieving one’s dreams requires professionalism and unwavering dedication to one’s calling.
Chitungwiza-born chanter King Labash, whose real name is Lloyd Charles Muponda, embodies this ethos.
After relocating to Belgium, which has become his second home, Labash has seamlessly integrated into the local scene.
Better known for club bangers such as “Rasta Doenda Nemi”, “Burn”, “Kukonzeresa” and many others, Labash is a man on a real mission.
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. Currently, he is participating in the Tomorrowland Festival, which is being held in phases.
Backed by the KD Soundsystem from the Netherlands, the Chitungwiza-bred chanter is now reaping the rewards of hard work, sacrifice and cultivating powerful connections. Although he turned a corner in Cape Town, South Africa, where he still commands a huge following, Labash is now on another level.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Labash emphasised 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,” he shared.
“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.
Six 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.
Turning to the Tomorrowland Festival, which continues this weekend, Labash expressed his delight at being the only Zimbabwean to have featured in this global showcase of music at The ELIXIR stage.
“Tomorrowland is a large-scale annual electronic dance music festival held in Boom, Antwerp, Belgium. It held its first edition in 2005, stemming from an idea conceived by brothers Manu and Michiel Beers in 2004.
“Since then, Tomorrowland has become one of the best-known music festivals in the world. It has won numerous accolades and awards, including being voted “Best Musical Event of the Year” five times in a row, attracting people from all walks of life,” he explained.
He remarked at the thrill of performing on this stage, hosted by Team Damp, one of the best dancehall duo in Belgium.
“Team Damp has been working tirelessly to promote dancehall music, artistes and DJs through their concept, Team Damp and Friends, which has helped many artistes showcase their talents at events organised by Team Damp.
“It was a great success to perform at an event I have dreamed of for years. I am so happy to be part of this amazing event with KD Soundsystem,” he stated.
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.
“It has been my dream to be at Tomorrowland Festival; it’s such a great experience that creates a wonderful atmosphere and allows me to meet people from all around the world in one place.”
He also revealed that the gamble he took in 2019 to settle in Belgium is now paying off.
“Since my first European tour in 2019, when doors opened for me as the first Zimdancehall artiste to perform at such a festival, I have never stopped rocking big stages here.
“My mission is to share good vibes and spread the message of love, peace and unity among everyone while paving the way for other artistes,” he emphasised.
With five months left in 2025, he has vowed not to end the year empty-handed.
“In October, I will be releasing an album titled “Free,” which reflects who I am, where I come from and where I’m going. I have been working on this album for almost four years with various artistes and producers. I can’t wait to release it because it represents a lot of hard work and sleepless nights,” Labash assured his fans.
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,” he said.
