Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
For Bulawayo DJ and producer Kotwane Hikwa, performing at the Jacaranda Music Festival is more than another booking, as he said it marks a significant step in a career that has grown from playing for free to earning slots at some of Zimbabwe’s major music events.
The ninth edition of the Jacaranda Music Festival will run from October 2 to 4 at Thornpark Polo Club in Harare under the theme “The Music. The People. The City.”
Kotwane, who has taken his Afro House sound beyond Bulawayo, said being part of the festival was an important milestone.
“Being part of the Jacaranda Music Festival at this stage of my career means a lot to me. It feels like a significant step forward and a reminder of how far I’ve come as an artist from Bulawayo,” he said.
He attributed his progress to taking a more deliberate approach to his career and treating music as a business.
Kotwane said the appointment of his manager, Gugulethu Tshuma, popularly known as Miss Gee, about 18 months ago had also helped him focus on his music and creative development.
“Having a team that shares the same vision and passion for the brand has been a game changer for me. Since I started working with Miss Gee, things have been flawless as I focus on the music, while she handles business and bookings,” he said.
Performing outside Bulawayo, particularly in Harare, also carries a sense of responsibility for Kotwane Hikwa.
“Whenever I perform outside Bulawayo, especially in Harare, I feel a sense of responsibility to represent where I come from.
“Bulawayo has a unique sound, culture and creative identity, and I’m proud to carry that with me wherever I perform,” he said.
Kotwane Hikwa will perform alongside a diverse Phase 2 lineup featuring Tamy Moyo, Jnr Spragga and Spirit Chronicles, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, South Africa’s Zee Nxumalo, Just Leo, Mandie Mae, Minister Michael Mahendere, Calequi y Las Panteras and Nasibo.
He plans to remain rooted in Afro House while adapting his set to the festival’s diverse audience.
“I will definitely stay true to my sound and identity, but I will also cater for the event as a whole. Those who will attend must expect fireworks as I will deliver a surprise set,” he said.
Looking beyond Jacaranda, Kotwane Hikwa said he was focused on producing more original music and taking his sound beyond Zimbabwe.
