ZIM CREATIVES SET NEW RECORDS

THE United Kingdom, Canada and Australia were some of the popular destinations where Zimbabwean musicians performed in a year packed with international tours.

Tonga outfit Mokoomba made history this year after touring more than European 15 countries.

Comedians Comic Pastor and Nigel the Slick Pastor regularly visited England.

Zim dancehall sensation, Killer T, had a successful tour of Canada in July, courtesy of Biggz Entertainment.

The pioneers of urban grooves had a successful year in the UK in September.

UK-based star Decibel led a contingent of fellow urban grooves pioneers like Xtra Large, Trevor Dongo, Ngoni Kambarami, Alexio Kawara, Plaxedes Wenyika, Maskiri and Leonard Mapfumo.

Selmor Mtukudzi also took part in the event. The same tour marked teh return of Alexio who had taken a sabbatical to concentrate on God’s ministry at his church.

In April, a contingent of local acts led by Mark Ngwazi left for the UK where they took part in the UK SAMA Festival, thanks to Y2K.

Enzo Ishall, Holy Ten, Gemma Griffiths, Baba Harare and DJ Ribhe were part of the show. Nutty O was also on demand.

And, so was Tocky Vibes who was invited to perform in Bali, Indonesia, which is a new market for the chanter.

ExQ also had a good year as he toured my countries overseas.

Zimpraise were in the UK in July where they performed alongside the likes of Janet Manyowa, Michael Mahendere, Everton Mlalazi, Mathias Mhere, Sir Benjamin Rupapa and Eleana Makombe.

The growing demand for Zimbabwean artists also saw Agga Nyabinde, son of veteran jazz crooner Bob Nyabinde, being invited for the month-long Rhythms of Southern Africa Tour, which began in Cambridge, England, on November 4.

He shared the stage with Bulawayo jazz maestro Jeys Marabini, Lady Bee and the South African singer Tshedi Mholo of the Malaika fame.

Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso, the two heavyweights, also enjoyed successful tours.