Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Affable crooner, Kireni Zulu, is poised to rekindle his connection with South African fans through a special performance on Valentine’s Day.
The undisputed Marabi king, who last graced the stage in Springs—a town east of Johannesburg—in 2021, firmly believes that this tour is part of his new resolutions for the year 2026.
Not only will he host a show in Gauteng province on Valentine’s Day, but he has also organised a series of events spanning two weeks.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Kireni, renowned for fusing music with comedy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the upcoming tour is the perfect way to kick off the year.
“I had a busy and successful season last year, and 2026 promises even greater things for me,” he shared.
“I will be touring South Africa starting on Valentine’s Day, and I have a lineup of shows planned there, thanks to my promoters.
“It’s something I have always wished for since my last performance in Springs in 2021. I can’t wait to travel again and meet both old and new fans eager to see me perform live on stage with my band.”
Kireni, who enjoys significant popularity in South Africa, looks forward to connecting with his audience.
“There is a large Zimbabwean community residing in South Africa, and it would be wonderful to meet them and share experiences. I am excited not only to engage with the Zimbabwean community but also to perform for the diverse, multiracial crowds in South Africa. This is something I have longed for, and the perfect time has finally arrived. We are already beginning to reflect on the achievements of our first quarter.”
In addition to his South African tour, Kireni is committed to intensifying his campaign against drug and substance abuse.
“I have been actively campaigning against these issues for much of last year during my shows, and I will continue the campaign into 2026. If you read my show posters, you’ll notice that I emphasise the need to denounce drug and substance abuse, which is rapidly becoming a serious epidemic.
“We continue to lose many lives, but we won’t stop raising awareness against this scourge threatening younger generations. As elders in the industry, we have a responsibility to spread this message until we achieve our goals,” he asserted.
The Chitungwiza-based crooner commended the Government for championing campaigns against drug abuse.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has clearly taken a stance against the menace of drug and substance abuse, and we simply need to complement their efforts.
“As influencers, we need to come together and speak with one voice to ensure drug peddlers are arrested. The sad reality is that some of the people selling drugs are known, and it is heartbreaking that we continue to lose lives due to drugs,” he emphasised.
A father figure in the showbiz landscape, Kireni has vowed to continue mentoring children who are pursuing music.
“After grooming my daughter when she was as young as six years old, I will also impart the same skills to other kids in the community as part of my pledge and New Year’s resolutions. This is something I have been longing for, and I am glad we will fulfill this goal and ensure that we keep our children busy.
“By keeping them engaged, we are not only shaping their careers but also helping them stay away from drugs, as research has shown that idleness can lead to substance abuse,” he shared.
Being one of the seasoned musicians who can perform as a solo act, Kireni has been in the industry for over 30 years.
He performs regularly, and last year was one of his busiest years, which saw him multitasking.
Kireni was also instrumental in campaigning for the well-being of the widows of musicians, and he continues this initiative into 2026.
