UK based Zimbabwean dancehall artist Jusa Dementor stole the limelight at this year’s Zimfest outdoor festival in London with his new song ‘Mahewu’. The 2000 plus crowd responded well to his clever Shona rhymes about the popular brew.
Headline act Tinashe did not disappoint either performing his set of songs that included the mbira version of Zambezi, Saved, May Day and Mr Presumption. RnB duo BKay n Kazz got everyone dancing to their hit songs 7 wonders, Amina Kadeya while rapper Karizma also gave a polished performance.
Other acts on the day included Kwaito House diva Oluhle and her two dancing girls. The trio set pulses racing with their raunchy dances. Rock band the Kamikaze Test Pilots showed they were far from ‘testing’ anything with another good performance. Hip hop diva Karen Stally now known as ‘Zuwa’ also did her thing.
There was a surprise appearance by Nigerian hip hop star JJC who joined Jusa, BKay n Kazz, Cynthia Mare and Karizma to perform the smash hit “We are Africans Zimbabwe Mix.” Also present but not performing was former British Heavyweight boxing champion Dereck Chisora and singers Shingai Shonhiwa from the Noisettes and urban groovers Stunner and Decibel.
Not to be outdone was former Radio 2 DJ and ZBC TV presenter Rufaro ‘Scud’ Maringapasi. The pot bellied presenter-turned nurse lived up to his nickname ‘Scud’ after consuming more alcohol than he could clearly take. He was seen stumbling several times and one hoped he was not going to be driving later on.
Despite unpredictable weather which saw occasional drizzles in London, the turnout at Zimfest was impressive. Zimbabweans from all races black, white and coloured came together proudly waving their flags and helping to raise money for the East Africa Crisis appeal of the British Red Cross.
