Sulu steals the show at Zimfest UK

Dendera music star Sulumani Chimbetu delivered a scintillating performance at the recently held Zimfest UK in Northampton, England, leaving thousands of festival-goers clamouring for more after a polished display with his Orchestra Dendera Kings. The annual festival, held on Saturday, featured an impressive line-up that included Jah Prayzah, Junior Spragga, Tammy Moyo and Delroy Shewe, but it was Sulumani's energetic set that stood out as one of the day's biggest highlights. Taking to the stage ahead of Junior Spragga and Jah Prayzah, Sulumani and his band treated fans to a catalogue of their popular hits, while introducing the now popular "Malume" dance craze, which was enthusiastically embraced by revellers. Speaking from his London hotel before departing the United Kingdom on Wednesday, Sulumani expressed satisfaction with the reception the band received. "Whenever we come here, we always strive to give our best and live up to the high standards of this festival. The fans really warmed up to our performance, and that means a lot to us," he said. The Sean Timba hitmaker also commended the organisers for maintaining high standards over the years. "I think among all the events organised by Zimbabweans outside the country, Zimfest ranks at the top because of its professionalism, consistency and high standards. We always enjoy working with the team." The band's United Kingdom-based international manager, Steve "Papa Stavo", also praised the organisers, revealing that this was Orchestra Dendera Kings' fourth appearance at the festival since 2018. "If I count correctly, we are probably the most booked band by Zimfest. This is our fourth performance since 2018. Of course, it reflects how we deliver on stage, but credit also goes to the organisers for the faith they continue to show in us. It is no longer just a business relationship—we are now like family," he said. Following their successful UK tour, Sulumani said the band will immediately shift focus to a busy schedule back home, beginning with a welcome-back show this Friday at Sherwood Golf Club in Malbereign. "We would like to invite all Dendera fans to come and celebrate with us because we have something special planned for them," he said. The award-winning musician added that August would be dedicated to preparations for the annual Simon Chimbetu commemorations and the Simon Chimbetu Music Festival. "August is always a special month for us as we remember our legend, Simon Chimbetu. As we do every year, we will travel to Chinhoyi on August 10 to join family, friends and fans at the Provincial Heroes Acre in honour of his legacy," he said. After the commemorations, Orchestra Dendera Kings will turn their attention to preparations for the Simon Chimbetu Music Festival, which is scheduled for September 26 at Magandi Park in Chegutu.