CASSPER Nyovest — rated South Africa’s finest hip-hop star — last week said Zimbabwe had highly-talented musicians and it was surprising that local music fans preferred foreign acts to their own.
BY IDAH MHETU
Speaking during the just-ended Shoko Festival in Harare, ahead of his Saturday night performance, Cassper said locals should embrace their own artistes ahead of foreigners.
“Zimbabweans have to be taught how to appreciate their own music as much as they appreciate us,” he said.
The Doc Shebeleza hitmaker believes that Zimbabwe has got talent, but what was essential was to get the support of local fans.
He said some of the local acts were way ahead of their celebrated South African compatriots.
Cassper — who shared the stage with local hip-hop prodigy Calvin Mcgini Nhliziyo in Bulawayo earlier this year — said the collaboration was an eye-opener to him.
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The collaboration produced a song called Zkhipani.
“I don’t know how you guys should do it, but I think Zimbabwean music should play more on air so that people can appreciate it more,” he said.
The award-winning artiste, who was in the country as the main act at Shoko Festival, said he actually felt intimidated by Calvin.
“My favourite Zimbabwean rapper is Calvin, he intimidates me. If Calvin was to rap in South Africa, he would be greater. I think his music should be played more,” said the vibrant rapper.
Cassper was the headline act at the fifth edition of Shoko Festival, one of the country’s leading annual urban culture fiestas held between September 24 and 26.
The festival was held under the theme Hear Your City and witnessed several performances from local and international acts including British rapper Black Twang, UK poet Deana Rodgers in addition to Zimbabwe’s Soul Jah Love, Junior Brown and Trae Young.
