Zimbabwean stars jet into UK for two-day festival

The first performers to land in the UK are the offspring of Zim legends Oliver Mtukudzi and Zex Manatsa. Selmor Mtukudzi, husband Tendai Manatsa and sister Sandra Mtukudzi arrived on Wednesday 16 March.

Expected to arrive soon are Jah Prayzah, Winky D and Tocky Vibes, three of the biggest names in Zimbabwean music at the moment.

The artists peforming at the SAMA Festival featured strongly at the three industry awards ceremony held recently in Zimbabwe - the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs) on 13 February, the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) on 25 February and the Zim-Dancehall Awards on 3 March.

The organisers say the two concerts are likely to go down in history as one of the best-ever Zimbabwean shows in the UK, which is home to a large community of Zimbabweans, as well as countless other lovers of African music.

Y2K Promotions directors Fredrick Matenga and Alexander Marapara said there has been a high demand for advance tickets, forcing them to print more. "We are overwhelmed by the response. This gig is definitely going down in memory lane!” the promoters said in a statement.

“It is advisable to buy tickets to avoid disappointment and paying more at the door," added the promoters. Tickets are on sale now for £30 per show.

For more information, check out the Y2K Promotions website.

For more on the Zimbabwean music industry and the challenges its artists currently face, read here.