By Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Leicester, UK (News of The South) Leicester was electric this past Saturday, April 19th, as the highly anticipated 2025 SAMA Festival exploded onto the scene. Zimbabweans and music lovers from across the UK flocked to the city for a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean talent and culture. The festival proved to be a resounding success, showcasing a stellar lineup of artists who captivated the enthusiastic crowd.
Kicking off the day was the phenomenal Selmor Mtukudzi, who immediately demonstrated the seasoned artistry that comes with experience. Her powerful vocals resonated throughout the venue, complemented by confident stage presence and energetic dance moves shared with her sister. The sisters’ performance served as a potent reminder of their lineage, the undeniable daughters of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi. Their seamless collaboration with a UK-based band created a truly magical experience, a testament to the meticulous preparations for the festival.
Gospel music sensation Mambo Dhuterere then took to the stage, reaffirming his reign as the genre’s king. He delivered hit after hit, filling the air with uplifting sounds. While fans noted the absence of his wife, Mrs Dhuterere, whose stage presence often amplifies his performance, Mambo Dhuterere’s brilliance shone brightly nonetheless.
BLOT followed, injecting his unique style, infectious energy, and captivating dance moves into the festival atmosphere, thoroughly entertaining the appreciative audience. Orianno’s performance was another highlight, his palpable confidence and powerful voice commanding the stage and undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness his set. His calls for audience participation, punctuated by “handiskuvanzwa vanhu ava,” further amplified the connection with the crowd.
The undisputed “King of Sungura,” Alick Macheso, closed the show with a performance that underscored his enduring reign. The infectious “borrowdale” dances, executed flawlessly by his band members MaJuice and a dynamic new addition, had the audience singing and dancing along in fervent unison. Macheso’s masterful guitar playing was a sight to behold, each chord struck with precision and passion. The synergy between the drummers, backing vocalists, and keyboardist created a rich and full sound. Notably, MaJuice seemed to have found a worthy dance partner in the new band member, their coordinated moves adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance.
Beyond the captivating music, the festival was marked by the exemplary behaviour of the attendees. Reports from the VIP section highlighted the maturity and respect shown by Zimbabwean music fans, creating a positive and enjoyable environment for everyone. Several Zimbabwean journalists, Socialites and promoters were also present, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The event also provided a platform for sponsors World Remit and Diaspora Funeral Assurance to connect with the community. Both organizations had engaging stalls, with World Remit adding extra excitement by holding a raffle where a lucky new user won a generous £500. Jeff Madzingo, CEO of Diaspora Funeral Assurance, attended with his family and was seen thoroughly enjoying the festivities. Gilbert Nyambabvu, PR and Communications Manager at Diaspora, played a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. Kaycee and DJ Saab were the Mcs, Zimbabwe based DJ Ollah whobwas due to be MC did not travel to the UK.
The well-managed stage saw no incidents of unauthorized access, further contributing to the seamless flow of the festival. Belinda Magejo did well be ensuring the stage was organised. Overall, the 2025 SAMA Festival was a resounding success, a testament to careful planning and execution by the Y2K team. With the UK festival season now in full swing, attendees can eagerly anticipate the Africa Music Festival, which will once again be hosted by Y2K in Leicester City.
Macheso at SAMA Festival 2025
Mambo Dhuterere @ SAMA Festival UK 2025
Selmor Mtukudzi at Sama Festival UK
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