Zimfest is proud to announce ZIMBABWE ROCKS a benefit concert in aid of WeZimbabwe and Ndoro Childrens Charity at Clapham Grand on Friday September 3.
The Victorian-era listed building in the heart of South London that has seen such luminaries as The Temptations, Chuck Berry and Public Enemy grace its stage will play host to some of Zimbabwes brightest stars as Zimfest celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The line up includes US born singer/songwriter Chiwoniso whose entrancing and uplifting songs are backed by the interlocking melodies of the Mbira (thumb piano) that have made her world famous. Complete with live band, she will bring to life her brand of Southern African Soul. I have always been a fan of the spirit of Zimfest, the braai and beer and the social part of catching up with old friends from home. Its definitely a place where music brings all of Zimbabwes people together. Im especially honoured to be a part of the 10 year celebrations and look forward to playing at The Clapham Grand.
Chiwoniso is joined by hot new Universal Island signing Tinashe. Tipped by a host of media including Music Week, Q and NME as well as popular retailer HMV as One To Watch, the young Zimbabwean by way of Hackney, East London will showcase tracks from his forthcoming album Saved (out September 13). Also confirmed are rockers Mann Friday who have honed their live craft playing such famous London venues as The Borderline, Bull & Gate, Half Moon Putney (they sold out this venue 7 times in a row so far), Camden Barfly and The Clapham Grand itself. Jusa Dementor adds a dancehall flavour to the bill. His recent world cup football anthem African Airhorn Dance was an internet smash hit fuelled by heavy rotation at MTV Base in Africa.
The benefit concert is in keeping with Zimfests tradition of exposing talent from that part of the world, wherever they happen to be based and providing a platform to reach an audience scattered across the globe. Zimfest was started in 2000 in London by a small group of home-sick Zimbabweans who wanted to share experiences and find ways of helping their fellow countrymen and women at the heart of Zimbabwes crisis. A decade on and what started as a social network dedicated to fundraising has grown to become one of the biggest Zimbabwean events on the UK calendar attracting wider audiences each year. This year also marks a partnership with Zimbabwean Telecoms Giant Econet who is the headline sponsor for this event.
Post published in: Arts