Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEANS in the diaspora may be working hard and making a decent living but that is often not enough.
Ultimately, many will always need something that brings them closer to home after months of hard work overseas.
For them, connecting with their kith and kin is therapeutic.
Zimbabwean art, especially music, seems to offer them relief.
In recent weeks, local creatives have been frequently travelling to meet Zimbabweans overseas and catch up.
The United Kingdom has become one of the most popular destinations for local creatives, particularly musicians.
Hardly a month passes without a group of Zimbabwean musicians travelling to the UK.
While destinations such as Canada, the United States and Australia have become popular with local musicians, England has emerged as their mecca.
ZimFest Live Festival, along with Y2K Promotions’ SAMA Festival UK and the recently held ZimLinkUp Festival that took place in Birmingham, is known for being a magnet for local artistes.
Trending, upcoming and seasoned musicians have been frequently visiting the UK.
Regular visitors include Tocky Vibes, Killer T, Freeman and Trevor Dongo.
Freeman
Other artistes such as Chillmaster, Jnr Spragga, Hwinza, Delroy Shewe and Raymer have all cemented their spots on the island nation.
Of course, there are veterans, especially Alick Macheso, Winky D and Jah Prayzah, who hardly disappoint the UK audience.
Last year, the Legends Night movement founded by saxophonist Joseph Chinouriri made its debut in the UK, leaving many in awe.
This was a clear indicator that Zimbabwe’s growing population in the UK has a strong emotional attachment to their kith and kin, which perhaps explains why they are often willing to pay steep admission fees.
In Australia, even an artiste considered average, or below average, back in Zimbabwe can charge as much as US$100 (in the local currency equivalent) for an ordinary ticket and still attract a full house.
According to Freeman, it is about consistency and understanding what fans want.
“Maybe the ability to understand what people want to listen to is behind the popularity of my brand, especially those who have been away from home for a while,” he shared.
“For me, consistency is not only about releasing music; it is all about being there always.
“Every now and then there should be something about Freeman HKD on the streets or online. That way you stay relevant, and you put out music that is current. I am thankful for every Zimbabwean who moved to the UK. I know they may have moved unwillingly or sometimes willingly but whatever the reason, it has given me the opportunity to travel to where they are and share my music with them.”
Killer T, real name Kelvin Kusikwenyu, believes it is his lyrical content that resonates with Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
“I think people in the diaspora, especially in the United Kingdom, enjoy my music because it resonates with what they are going through or experienced at some point,” asserted the Mbare-bred chanter.
“When you sing music which appeals to people or touches their lives, they will fall in love with you.
“On that note, you are guaranteed fireworks if you go there and perform as we normally do. In my case, I am glad that I have managed to raise the bar sky high over the years.”
He also noted that the growing population of Zimbabweans overseas was another factor which has made people fall in love with local music.
“In the United Kingdom, there are several children who were born there and their parents exposed them to our music. As a result, the kids will certainly attend our family shows there since they want to watch us perform live,” Killer T told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
Obey “Tocky Vibes” Makamure, who attributes his popularity to authenticity, agrees.
Jah Signal (left) with manager Hillary Mutake.
“In my case, I think it is a matter of being authentic, which has seen my profile growing in the United Kingdom,” he said.
“I have been performing there for years, mainly for the Zimbabwean communities all over the United Kingdom, and that alone has made me realise my full potential.
“I cannot afford to short-change them because most of the fans and promoters have been there for me from day one when I started visiting the UK holding a series of shows.”
The “Mhai” hitmaker, who was also “anointed” by the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi as a creative genius back in the day, feels the technological revolution has made Zimbabwean music popular.
“It is now easier for us to market our music nowadays and that alone has resulted in our fan bases growing significantly. Overseas, social media data is affordable, and it is easier for us to be able to market our music and be heard without any challenges. In addition, Zimbabweans resident overseas simply love their music, which is why we continue to draw big numbers,” he added.
He, however, indicated that some artistes also make it to the UK because they are trending.
“Business-wise, there are some promoters who prefer inviting trending artistes overseas, which has worked in their favour. The only challenge these artistes will have is that they need to keep themselves relevant as compared to those who are original and authentic.”
Of course, the list will be incomplete without mentioning Jah Signal, who is due to travel to the UK next month.
His manager Hillary “Punchline” Mutake said fans in the diaspora are often homesick; therefore, hosting local artistes was the best way they could be connected to people back home.
“To be honest, our overseas fans miss home and everything Zimbabwean. I have seen it each time we travel overseas that the fans there simply cherish our stuff and music,” Punchline said.
Zimbabwean musicians are also slowly penetrating the US, Canada and Australia, but it is tricky promoting them as they often target Zimbabwean communities.
Australia-based promoter Abraham Nyanzero said only Thomas Mapfumo and the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s music was popular in that country.
He, however, indicated that more artistes are now making a breakthrough as the Zimbabwean community is growing.
“As a promoter here, we now look at a number of factors, like the profile of a musician and how popular they are,” he revealed.
“If you look at some Zimbabweans who came here long back, they have an attachment to the likes of Mukanya (Thomas Mapfumo), Tuku and Alick Macheso, whom they know.
“Of course, we now have the likes of Jah Prayzah and others who have made it big through international collaborations appealing to many here. This is exactly what people here want; not one-hit wonders.”
He also said Zimbabwean communities in Australia were too selective.
“Zimbabwean music is on demand, but it depends on generations. It’s a tricky situation to please local fans.”
After all has been said and done, Zimbabweans in the diaspora will always remain connected to their roots.
It is that sense of nostalgia that has made this attachment last forever.
Everything Zimbabwean is sweet for locals who have settled overseas.
One thing is for sure — Zimbabwean music is here to stay, and it is making waves globally.
