KSmash embraces indigenous rap
THROUGH and through, the Zambezi National Park is hailed as one of Zimbabwe’s finest wildlife sanctuaries that protects the south and east banks of the Zambezi River within the world-famous Victoria Falls.
This is certainly one of the guaranteed treasures and pleasures that will be enjoyed by guests of Routes Africa Forum.
The park’s unique climatic and vegetation features have given rise to a rainforest that grows in the spray of the falls.
The rainforest with the proclivity to intermittently drench all tourists, who visit the majestic falls, is an outstanding feature.
After all, this makes the tourist feel soothed during the long walk across the falls.
The ready availability of lush green forest and water makes wildlife viewing relatively easier on the Zimbabwe safari.
Some of the plant species include ferns, liana vines, palms plus several tree species such as mahogany.
The national park has the falls themselves as a major attraction and when combined together, the national park and falls give a complete tourist circuit.
Also famously known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the magnificent Victoria Falls is 1 708m wide and is recognised as the world’s largest water curtain.
The spectacular falls shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe and is territorially divided by Cecil John Rhodes’ famous bridge produces deafening roars and forms a thick blanket of mist as millions of litres of water flow down its cliff.
The thrust of the water is something to be beholden and enjoyed.
Victoria Falls National Park is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffe, and antelopes like kudu and waterbuck.
Plenty of crocodiles may be seen in the Zambezi River, and a nearby crocodile ranch offers a safer view of these dangerous animals.
Riverine bird life is plentiful with egrets, herons, cormorants, fish eagles and kingfishers.
Being the world’s greatest natural splendours and also one of Africa’s premier holiday destinations, the Victoria Falls are undoubtedly a tourist attraction of repute where no one can go and come back without enjoying something. The period between September and December offers the best time to see sufficiently impressive amounts of water pouring over the edge.
The best view of the falls is from the air and helicopter rides, euphemistically called Flight of Angels.
Grand Zambezi River — white-water rafting, sundowner cruising, fishing, bird watching and game viewing are major activities.
It usually rains from November through to April, creating a hot and humid climate. The falls are at their wettest and most spectacular by the end of the summer rainy season.
May to October is usually dry and September and October allows better photo opportunities at Victoria Falls as there is much less spray, but the torrent is slightly less impressive.
The dry season also presents the prime for game viewing in Zambezi National Park.
Accommodation in the park is available plenty ranging from simple fishing camps to exclusive safari lodges and five-star hotels.
For instance, there are several campsites near the Zambezi National Park and in the numerous resorts and hotels in and around the town of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Hotel and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge are some of the best facilities available.
The recently refurbished A’Zambezi River Lodge is a perfect accommodation place, and the only hotel on the riverbank of the Zambezi.
You can never go wrong if you visit the Zambezi National Park. WITH the growing popularity of indigenous languages in the arts sector, one underground hip-hop artiste KSmash has quickly embraced the trend and has released his Tonga rap single, “Balikwizi Loko”.
The single is an infusion of Tonga, English and Ndebele rap and talks about how humble beginnings can sometimes end as success stories.
The single’s title, “Balikwizi Loko” directly translates to “They know” and the 2 1 - ye ar- old KSmash says that this alludes to people being made conscious of Tonga culture.
“There is a certain stigma that Tonga people have always been faced with and with this track, I aim to make people aware of where we as a people come from and where we are going,” he said.
KSmash, whose birth name is Khulekani Mweembe grew up in Siachilaba Village in Binga. “I have been a hip-hop fan since 2004 and at the time, I was really young but it was not until 2006 when I was 10 years old that I tried my luck at writing music and that is when the idea for my recording studio came to me,” said KSmash. A jack of all trades, KSmash not only raps but produces and directs music videos all from his recording studio which he built in his mother’s backyard. From this studio, Ksmash has released a number of albums, the latest being “4 the Grind” which he released early this year. Amon g his role models and idols, KSmash names DJ Khaled and Dr Dre and says he aspires to be like them as his career advances. KSmash is set to release his next album “4 the Grind 2” later this year and that could be something to look out for.