DANCEHALL lovers are in for a treat at the annual Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival to be held tomorrow at Glamis Arena in Harare as local artistes take centre stage.
International artistes to headline the show include Uhuru from South Africa and Konshens from Jamaica whose appearance is not yet guaranteed.
The Jamaican will not grace the show as health authorities in his country issued a stern warning on artistes travelling to Africa that on their return they will be quarantined for up to 21 days.
This follows reported cases of the Ebola virus that has affected West Africa but not Southern Africa.
The Jamaican was expected to depart the Caribbean nation on Wednesday, strongly casting doubt that he will turn up for the Harare show.
Through a press release, show organisers Delta Beverages yesterday (Thursday) said they are making efforts to ensure that Konshens arrives in Harare for the show.
“Delta is committed to bring the best available acts and entertainment to our loyal consumers.”
Konshens is a dancehall artist born in Kingston and is well known for his chart-topping singles that include ‘Winner’, ‘Realest Song’, ‘Gal Dem A Talk’, ‘Represent’ and ‘Forward’ among others.
On the other hand, Uhuru is the hottest South African Kwaito group – at the moment – popularly known for their single “Y-tjukutja’’from their 2013, 13-track album Our Father.
The single was an instant hit in Zimbabwe with the song appealing to all age groups.
The song literally translated in shona as ‘wachukucha’ has revellers wiggling their waists every time the song is played.
Concerning the line-up of artistes, Patricia Murambinda, Delta Beverages Marketing Manager said this year’s line-up of artistes was chosen by revellers.
“Just like last year revellers were given the chance to select artistes to perform at the Lion Lager beer festival,” said Murambinda.
“This year’s selection was done through a Lion Lager radio programme which was produced by Star FM.”
Murambinda also said the beverage company only had the mandate of fulfilling suggestions made by listeners and not ‘impose’ artistes.
In its campaign to raise awareness of one of its brands Delta Beverages last year introduced the Lion Lager Campus Nites Activations prior to the Lion Lager beer festival.
Murambinda also said this year Delta is launching a new communication for its brand Lion lager.
“Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival also holds special significance in that it will also reveal significant developments with regards to the Lion Lager brand.”
It is through such events organised by Delta that genres like dancehall have gained popularity.
Dancehall has become the most popular genres in the music industry.
Dubbed the battle of East versus West, last year’s beer festival saw local artistes proving more popular.
“I hope this year’s international artistes will not disappoint or else Delta should organise a summer festival that only features local musicians,” said Norman Mudzinganyama from Chitungwiza.
If the Jamaican Konshens fails to pitch many are not worried.
Past international performers that include Ugandan Bebe Cool (Moses Ssali) and Nigerian artistes which include D’Banj have failed to impress.
Local artistes in past editions have had to intervene after poor acts by the so-called world acclaimed artistes.
Many will remember last year’s Lion Lager Beer Festival when D’Banj put up a dismal performance that angered the fans.
Winky D, Sniper Storm and Guspy Warrior had to cover up for the international artistes.
International musicians in the mould of Sean Kingston, Mr Vegas, Popcaan, Mavado, Brick n’ Lace and of late Kalado had a forgettable outing.
Memorable performances were by Fantan Mojah – who Zimdancehall artistes still sing praise, Sean Paul, Akon, Beenie Man, Capleton and Coco Tee.
Local artistes performing at this year’s beer festival Jah Prayzah, Legendary Sound, Judgement Yard, Tocky Vibes, Soul Jah Love, Shinsoman and Winky D are riding high and will likely outclass the international artistes.
Man-of-the moment Tocky Vibes is rocking the airwaves and fans cannot get enough of the artiste.
His rich music has spread to all corners of the country and the diaspora and fans seem never to get enough of him while Jah Prayzah’s energetic Third Generation Band continues to get better with each outing.
Not to be out done will be Soul Jah Love who recently toured South Africa and left the Diasporans mesmerised with his love ballads.
Shinsoman also known as ‘Baba Devante’ is another artist who has the mettle to keep revellers on their feet.