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Trust Khosa
THERE is a beautiful love story developing between Zimbabwean artists and the United Kingdom.
Scores of local artists have performed in the UK this year.
Why is this appeal for local artists to play in the UK exploding?
Albert Nyathi believes it’s because of the big number of Zimbabweans who have turned that country into their home.
“Many miss home,” he said. “I once played with Fungisai and Tuku in Birmingham City and it was packed.
“We packed the venue and I nearly forgot that I was performing in the UK.”
BOSS SPENCER
“We have recently seen an upsurge of our local acts in the UK due to various reasons, one major one has been the increase in migration to the Kingdom.
“Zim Diaporans need to connect with home and their roots, through music and dance.
“Several artists have moved to the UK and are now heavily involved in bringing their counterparts, in conjunction with UK-based promoters, to perform here.
“The likes of Ngoni, celebrated DJ Flevah Tendai have been instrumental in influencing UK-based promoters to bring diverse acts to the UK on a regular.”
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MONO MUKUNDU
“The main connection lies in the growing number of Zimbabweans residing in the U.K., which significantly influences the scenario.
“Presently, we have very few international artists, so the performances are being primarily enjoyed by fellow Zimbabweans.”
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UK-BASED THEATRE DIRECTOR ENISIA MASHUSHA
“Zimbabweans in the diaspora do miss home, that’s why they tend to bring Zimbabwe away from home, that feeling only brings joy to our hearts,” the UK-based Mashusha said.
“It helps us in preserving culture and our identity as well.”
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DIANA SAMUKANGE
“We are going through a phase where we are remembering all the good things from the past, and the only thing that can help the Diasporans go through all that is through past hit songs and that is the reason why you see the rise of urban grooves once again in full force.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter