Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
US-based Afro-pop singer Julian King has confessed that he left Zimbabwe as a nonentity and returned home a superstar.
He says he now feels at home after being embraced by many during his brief stint in the country.
Born Julian Lennon Kanombirira, the versatile singer returned home for the first time in six years and secured a slot at the 2025 Kadoma Music Festival last week.
He was blown away by the hospitality he received on and off stage.
“To be honest with you, I left Zimbabwe as an unknown artist, and I am back home as a superstar,” he stressed. The warm reception I got from the day I landed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to this day has been exceptional. Meeting my mother, fans and relatives was something I have been yearning for over the years. I am glad that I am here, and I am really enjoying my brief stay.”
The “One by One” singer, who is currently in the country after his performance in Kadoma, was impressed by the exposure he received.
“To be honest, the Kadoma show was my first public performance in Zimbabwe. I had never performed anywhere before, and that opportunity meant a lot to me.
“As far as stage fright is concerned, I was never afraid because it’s my job. It was a marvel performing before big names, and to me, I felt no pressure but to simply utilise my slot.”
He continued: “I am always ready to perform on such big occasions, and I am glad that I did my best last weekend. The feedback is overwhelming, and I am proud to be embraced by my kith and kin. I have always been proud to be Zimbabwean, and I will continue to make my country proud.”
The versatile singer, who believes in the power of collaborations, hinted at combining forces with several local acts in the studio before he returns to the US.
“I have been speaking to a number of artists, including Kae Chaps, Master H and Feli Nandi, to see if we can create something before my return to the US. I am still around for a week or so, but I will do something before I leave,” he emphasised.
Known for club bangers like “One By One,” “Ndiri MuZimba,” and “Handiuye,” the singer believes consistency has made him the superstar he is today.
“To be honest with you, I have been away for some time now, but I have never lost track of my roots.
“I remain loyal to what I do in my career, and I will continue doing so for the good of my career. I might be based in the US, but that does not change the fact that I am Zimbabwean,” added the Africa University Honors Degree in Accounting holder.
The down-to-earth singer, who has let his music do the talking, has established himself as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Part of his biography hails him as a creative genius who has made it to the top by experimenting with various genres.
“He is a dynamic and multitalented Afro Pop artist. His music is characterized by influences from multiple genres such as Afropop, Afrobeats, and Dancehall,” reads part of his biography.
Away from music, he has been doing charity work, paying school fees for ten learners from Chitungwiza to enable them to realise their dreams.
