TAWANDA MARWIZI
Cassper Nyovest (pictured) is no stranger to this country. His music is well received and his past shows have been well-attended.
Just over a year ago, the South African rapper signed off his performance at Glamis Arena in Harare by saluting an electrified audience as well as local artists before he was whisked away by bouncers who wanted his safe exit from the stage.
It was like a scene from a documentary. The musician could not hide his love for the country and shared with the press that he would certainly consider collaborating with local musicians that he described as ‘gifted’. One year down the line, the musician makes a grand return to Zimbabwe to share the stage with Prince Kaybee and several local artists this coming Saturday, once again at Glamis Arena.
Prince Kaybee is responsible for chart toppers ‘Banomoya’ featuring Busiswa and ‘Charlotte’ featuring Lady Zamar.
Kaybee has become one of the most popular DJs in SA, with many listeners drawing comparisons between him and Black Coffee. Kaybee however has made it clear that he is hoping to chart his own path to success and celebrates Black Coffee as “the hero of his generation”.
With such influential artists billed to perform, according to music critics, this is an ideal opportunity for local talent to negotiate collaborative projects with the multi-award winning rapper, as a way of breaking new ground.
Nyovest is one of the most recognised and respected artists in Southern Africa and working with him would be a genuine break for any local artist.
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African recording artist and record producer. His debut album Tsholofelo was released on July 18 2014. He is currently signed to his own independent label and media company, Family Tree.
Nyovest has built a successful career as an “indie artist”, defying the expectations of many who believe that one needs to be signed to a big record label to succeed in the music business.
A collaboration with the “Tito Mboweni” rapper would not only provide a local artist (the cringe worthy word) exposure, but it would also provide an avenue for an artist to glean professional and business lessons from the young star.
Dubbed ‘RSVP’, this weekend’s local act lineup includes EXQ, Takura, Jah Signal, The Movement, Dadza D, Sasha, Sylent NQO, Tamy Moyo, Nutty O and several DJs.
EXQ has managed to sustain his relevance in Zimbabwean urban music with a finesse and adaptability that is nothing short of impressive.
His current album “Tseu” is making waves with the singles “Tsvigiri”, “Nzenza” featuring Freeman, and “Pahukama” featuring Jah Prayzah doing well.
Trending up-and-comers Takura and Tamy Moyo have also managed to rock the urban music movement, not just locally but across the region, with Tamy’s music videos setting a high standard and breaking into the international market.
Events Evolution director, Talent Banda, said they have done their best in coming up with a line-up that satisfies everybody.
“If you look at the line up, everyone is catered for. We are also trying to have these musicians make some connections for collaborations. As promoters we always try to come up with a line up of musicians that complement the visiting artist,” he said.
Banda said as an events company that deals with stage, lighting and sound design, their aim is to set a world class standard in show production.
“Events evolution has tried to come up with different production concepts and, with this show, we are looking forward to showing off what we are capable of. We are here to change the standards of showbiz in the country,” he said.
With a number of hits on his discography that include ‘Gets Getsa’, ‘Baby Girl’, ‘Mama I made it’, ‘Push Through the pain’ and ‘I wasn’t ready for you’, among others, fans can expect an exciting night.
Nyovest, on his social media, said he plans to give his fans a night to remember.
