Multi-genre Zakifo fest attracts global musos

THE third annual Zakifo Music Festival, Durban  features one of the most multi-genre global music line-ups ever gathered together in one festival programme boasting 22 of the finest international music-makers from UK, Jamaica, USA, Belgium, France, Ghana, Niger, Congo, Tanzania, Lesotho and South Africa, which comes to Durban’s, Blue Lagoon Beach from 26 – 28 May.

Zakifo, which was was started by Jerome Galabert, Sipho Sithole and Andy Davis, is a member of Igoda which is a music festival circuit that includes Sakifo Festival, Azgo festival, Bassline Africa Day concert, and Bushfire festival. These festivals happen over a period of three weeks and have created an artist and festival goer touring circuit in the Southern African region.

“Sakifo means what is needed  in Creole,” said Galabert.

“With Zakifo Durban our intention is the same. We want to answer the call of the city’s creative voices; strengthening ties between the cultural communities of the Indian Ocean, from India to Australia to China and of course Reunion, Madagascar and Mauritius. Through our world-class line-up we strive to inspire and create lasting opportunities for collaboration; cross cultural exchanges; economic opportunities and skills development.”

“This partnership with Reunion Islands has been a dream of mine. I have attended a number of music festivals internationally and there was no better choice and fit than Zakifo to bring to South Africa, particularly my home town and province.”

“Zakifo is a destination festival, a people to people encounter and we guarantee you that over the years this festival will become part of travelers’ annual calendar coming from all over the world,” said Sipho Sithole, one of the festival partners and founder/owner of Native Rhythms.

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale through Computicket.

R550 full weekend – current till 24 April.

R700 full weekend – 25 April – 25 May.

Day passes are on sale and tickets will be on sale at the door.

The sea breeze and crashing waves will provide the backdrop this year for the astonishing musical line-up which includes:

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley  (USA/ JAM) famous reggae artist and youngest son of reggae musician Bob Marley. had a worldwide hit with the song “Welcome to Jamrock”

Birdy Nam Nam (Fr) Dj Band, electronic music made using turntables as instruments.

Ray Phiri (ZA) South African icon of jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician

Thandiswa Mazwai (ZA) socially-conscious musician who incorporates mbaganga, reggae, traditional  Xhosa rhythms, kwaito, jazz and funk, Formerly of Bongo Maffin

Petite Noir (ZA) singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer

Baloji (Belguim) Rapper, MC and hip hop artist of Congolese origin, Formerly of the group Starflam

Bombino (NE) Internationally acclaimed Tuareg guitarist and singer-songwriter from Agadez, Niger

Nova Twins (UK) Urban Punk, gritty, angry and heavy.

Tiggs Da Author(UK)  Hip hop, soul, grime and jazz

Gangs of Ballet (ZA) An eclectic mix of alternative, melodic, anthemic, electronic and dance.

The Soil (ZA) South African acapella 3-member group, kasi soul

Sax Machine(USA/FR) Hard-Bop, Afro-Beat, Deep Funk and Hip-Hop Psyche

Kommanda Obbs (Lesotho) artist, activist, lyricist, musician. Pioneer of Hip Hop subgenre called TS’EPE

Jojo Abot (Ghana) Sultry electro soul singer. Electronica, Afrobeat, Jazz, House and reggae.

Lu Dlamini (ZA) Renowned songstress, with a rich musical heritage.

Bongeziwe Mabandla (ZA) SAMA winning Afro-folk musician. Rising star.

Easy Freak (ZA) Beat infused electronic duo incorporating indie, electro, funk & rock

Jobie Clarke (ZA)  Classical, jazz, ethno-soul, and a touch of isicathamiya

A full event breakdown is available on www.zakifo.com

Instagram: @zakifofest

Twitter: @zakifomusikfest

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