Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMDANCEHALL pioneer, King Labash is making significant waves in Belgium, which has become his second home.
Now residing in Waasmunster, 53 kms from Brussels, he has become a familiar face at big 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 chanter is now reaping the rewards of hard work, sacrifice and powerful connections.
Although he turned a corner in Cape Town, South Africa, where he still commands a huge following, King Labash is now at another level.
“We have made it this far due to powerful connections and by linking up with the right people,” he said.
“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, including MTN Bushfire and the 2010 FIFA World Cup promotional events.
“I left for Cyprus, where I stayed for a couple of years, before returning to South Africa and finally settling in Belgium in 2019.
He added: “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 said it is a magical thing to perform on a stage hosted by Team Damp, one of the best dancehall duos in Belgium.
“Team Damp has been working tirelessly to promote dancehall music, artists, and DJs through their concept, Team Damp and Friends, which has helped many artists showcase their talents at events organised by Team Damp.
“I am so happy to be part of this amazing event with KD Soundsystem.
“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 always 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.
“My mission is to share good vibes and spread the message of love, peace, and unity among everyone while paving the way for other artists.
“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 artists and producers.
“I can’t wait to release it because it represents a lot of hard work and sleepless nights.”
