Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo [email protected]
Musician Asaph Afrika, born Tafadzwa Tarukwana, says his recent performance at the inaugural Teen Fest ZW in Harare reaffirmed his confidence in his music while opening up opportunities for new collaborations and live performances.
Known for infusing Bulawayo’s distinctive energy into his music and stage performances, Asaph Afrika was among the artistes who took to the stage at the youth-focused festival. The musician, whose catalogue includes tracks such as Mambo and B.T.D said the reception from the Harare crowd made the experience particularly memorable.
Reflecting on his performance, Asaph Afrika described Teen Fest ZW as both enjoyable and eye-opening, saying the audience’s energy and engagement stood out.
“The experience was fun and eye-opening at the same time. The energy of the people there was pretty exciting. I really brought in a Bulawayo feel in the bounce of the music I performed. Some people were even singing word for word,” said Asaph Afrika.
The response from the crowd, he said, reinforced his belief in the strength and reach of his music. After leaving the stage, some audience members approached him to ask why he had left out some of their favourite songs.
For Asaph Afrika, those interactions were a clear indication that listeners were connecting with his work.
“The crowd taught me that my music is solid, even if it’s your very first time hearing the songs. The experience I’ve had performing helps me engage and confidently present a strong set. Plus, when I got off stage, a couple of people were asking why I didn’t perform certain songs, and it showed me they’re paying attention and they had favourites they wanted to hear,” he said.
The Teen Fest ZW appearance is not the end of Asaph Afrika’s live performance run, with more shows already lined up for September. He is set to perform at Hip Hop & Chill in Bulawayo and the Love Faith Festival in Harare.
Beyond the stage, the festival also created an opportunity for him to connect with fellow artistes. He revealed that he struck up a connection with another Teen Fest ZW performer Noluntu J, with discussions underway over a possible collaboration.
“I really got to connect with Noluntu J, who was also performing at Teen Fest, and we’re in talks about a collaboration. Kwela Initiative will also be back in full effect with our radio show on Skyz Metro FM, with our viral segment, 16Bars,” he said.
