adminBrenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
TINASHE KASAMBA, a rising jazz crooner, is billed to take part in a festival in Limpopo, South Africa, dubbed “Rocking for Rhinos” on September 20. Son of ex-Black Spirits band member Eric “Piki” Kasamba, the 23-year-old and his band Afrostorm will showcase their talents on the main stage for two days during the second edition of the festival.
“Participating at such a festival is a big deal for me. Knowing that my music was good enough to attract the attention of festivals beyond Zimbabwe’s boundaries makes me realise that I am in the right direction,” said Kasamba.
The youthful eight-member band is expected to thrill revellers when they perform songs from their upcoming debut “Zivai”.
“We are hoping to learn about poaching and at the same time give a firm representative of Zimbabwean music and culture. We are also hoping to score collaboration deals with artistes from South Africa and Namibia,” he said.
The festival organiser, Gareth Putter, shed light on the event.
“This initiative is aimed at raising awareness and money for prevention of rhino poaching. This problem is rife and each day, African wildlife is being destroyed as a result. This in turn disturbs other aspects like tourism that employs many people,” he said.
He added that at least 30 artistes, among them top South African deejays, will take part in the two-day fiesta.
“Celebrities are appreciated the world over and if they lead by example and add their voices in the fight against poaching it will go a long way in effecting change among ordinary people,” he said.
Putter said making the festival as big as possible will mean that it will help in making a bigger impact.
The music festival will be held at Hoedspruit, a recreational park in Limpopo.
According to the organisers, over 1 000 people are expected to attend the festival. Proceeds will go towards efforts to fight poaching especially of the endangered rhinos.
Online Reporter