The Sunday Mail
WITH the traditional six-day Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) extravaganza not taking place this year, visiting international acts, Wizkid and Chris Martin, light up April.
The Nigerian Afro-pop superstar Wizkid will entertain fans at Old Hararians Sports Club this Friday, while Jamaican dancehall sensation Chris Martin will shut down the month with an anticipated mouth-watering gig at the Glamis Arena on April 29.
Chris Martin
Nigerian music is adored by many in the country and with Wizkid, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, being one of the most popular artistes from that country, his maiden show is bound to be full of energy. Wizkid will be supported by local acts Jnr Brown, Cal Vin, Judgment Yard, Mzoe 7, Rax, Storm and Cynthia Mare, among others.
His credentials are amazing having received more than 60 nominations from various international awards ceremonies and managing to win 18 accolades in his career. However, he has to prove himself on stage in front of the hard to please Zimbabwean music fans.
The Nigerian artiste will have to come fully prepared for the high demanding Zimbabweans. Some of his countrymen namely D’banj and Davido failed to rise to occasion when they visited Harare. Music fans are hoping that the “Show You the Money” hit-maker will this Friday pull a top class act since he confirmed in a YouTube video that he will be bringing a live band.
The show is being organised by Xmo Squad and Golden Drop Entertainment who have promised fans a memorable outing.
In an interview, the show’s spokesperson, Larry Kwirirai said fans should expect a brilliant performance from Wizkid.
“Wizkid is one of Forbes Africa’s most bankable stars with genuine hits so this means that you will have an absolute top drawer performance of star quality,” said Kwirirai.
“As for the Zimbabwean acts, we made sure there was a strong representation from outside Harare and we are particularly excited to have hip-hop heavyweights Jnr Brown and Cal Vin on board.”
Wizkid is one of the most travelled artistes on the continent and has performed alongside some of the industry’s big names that include Chris Brown, Akon, Kardinal Official and Young Jeezy, among others.
Fans are also expecting a showdown between two of the country’s top rappers, Cal Vin and Jnr Brown, who have been at each other’s throats of late.
Ticket prices for the show have been pegged at US$20 for general entry, US$50 for VIP and US$100 for the VVIP section. Equally, the Chris Martin gig scheduled for month end is also promising to be a great showpiece. There is an insatiable appetite for dancehall music in Zimbabwe.
Martin is coming courtesy of Red Rose Entertainment who have previously hosted other top chanters like Capleton and Turbulence.
Over the years, Martin has emerged as one of the top Jamaican artistes and a favourite among the local music followers. With hit songs that include “Let Her Go”, “Look On My face”, “Mi Friend Dem”, “Mama”, “Baby I Love You”, “Just Like You” and “Cheater’s Prayer”, among other sing-along tracks, the stage is set to be on fire.
Jamaicans are well known for their vibrant performances on stage which come as no surprise as their music industry makes a significant contribution to their country’s economy.
Many of the Jamaican stars who have performed in the country have managed to pull off memorable gigs and fans cannot be blamed for expecting the same from Martin on April 29.
Initially, popular reggae star Jah Cure was supposed to perform in Harare on the day but there were glitches with regards to his travel documents, which led the organisers to engage Martin as an alternative.
Thus, debate has been created among fans on who they think has more followers and is the best between the two artistes.
However, it is an undeniable fact that both artistes are good and can deliver superb acts on any given day.
Red Ross Entertainment boss Barbara “Mai Red Rose” Chikosi said they were geared to bring more joy for revellers.
“Yes, Chris (Martin) will be playing in Harare on April 29. The response to the gig so far is encouraging and we are doing everything possible to guarantee the gig flows smoothly. Fans should also know that Jah Cure is still part of our plans and we will be hosting him in the country later this year as we had initially planned,” said Mai Red Ross.
Some of the country’s finest performers that include Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Lipsy, Judgement Yard, Silverstone, Fyah Links, Legendary Sound, Digital One and Bodyslam will be part of the Glamis show.
Advance tickets will be going for US$15 for general entry and US$20 for VIP while patrons who are going to pay at the gate will have to part with US$20 for general entry and US$25 for VIP.
