Monday 25 February – Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi

Zimbabwes finest son – legendary ‘Tuku’ has enjoyed tremendous success over many years and he personifies the Zimbabwe music scene with his distinctive and popular style. Most recently he has diverged to a more ‘acoustic’ vibe and has incorporated mbira and marimba within his music to produce a wonderful languid groove that flows with the Tuku style and charisma.

Monday 3 March – Chris Lynam returns

Zimbabwean born, UK based Comedian Chris Lynam will feature at the Chimanimani Festival. Chris was the founder of the festival in ‘98 but has never had a show at the festival – his wild antics are sure to thrill, shock and perhaps even explode.

Monday 10 March – Andy Brown and the Storm

Andy Brown makes a welcome return to Chimanimani – widely regarded as one of Zimbabwes finest musical talents, often maligned but resilient in his dedication, Andy was one of the first exponents of the Afrofusion vibe created by Ilanga in the ’80’s before setting off on his own with the Storm. His rough guitar style and distinctive lyrics make him a popular favorite. Andy will also perform with local Chimanimani favorite Josh Sacco and Radiation band during this years festival.

Monday 10 March – Albert Nyathi

Albert Nyathi stands out as a modern day icon of the ndebele speaking performers – distinctive posture, powerful lyrics and a strong cultural influence have forged his career to the point where he now regularly tours Europe with his 8 piece support group. Albert is a forceful and intuitive poet and his poems have been well documented locally and internationally.

Sunday 6 April – Victor Kunonga

Coming from the dusty alleyways of Hwedza, Victor is a typical example of someone who was raised in Zimbabwe. His music off his debut album is proof that the man has almost seen it all in a lifetime that to others would seem a mere infancy and listening to the musical lyrics of his first album, one would be convinced that this man was born strumming guitar strings.

“I love making music for it is an interesting art form to draw and paint my ideas as well as conveying the message.”

Sunday 6 April – Bongo Love

Bongo Love was formed in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe by John Mambira, who still heads up the band and Nhlanhla Ngwenya who has now moved to the UK to work on a drumming project. With John playing drums and providing lead vocals, Themba Mawoko was recruited for the lead marimba, Trymore Jombo for mbira and Mpho Mambira for the baritone marimba. “Afro-coustics”, as they call their genre, is a unique combination of styles delivered on these traditional instruments with lyrics in English, Shona and Ndebele.