Damian Marley to headline Zakifo

Founded in 2015, Zakifo is a member of IGODA, a regional circuit of music festivals that takes place in May and June every year. The circuit includes the Bushfire, Azgo, Africa Day and Sakifo festivals.

Damian Marley, the son of legendary reggae musician Bob Marley, will be joined by South African artists Ray Phiri, Thandiswa Mazwai, Niger’s Bombino, Belgian artists Baloji and Petite Noir, and French DJ crew Birdy Nam Nam.

Organisers of the event broke the news on their Facebook page this week. “Damian Marley is going to be gracing our shores to present his unique and powerful sound alongside his full band. If you haven't heard his music then perhaps you have been living under a rock.”

In another post, the organisers also announced one of South Africa’s biggest names: “Thandiswa Mazwai the SA legend and vocalist/songwriter from the much loved and lauded Bongo Maffin. Thandiswa is one of the pioneers of the kwaito sound and will speak straight to your soul at #zakifo2017.”

According to the festival’s Facebook page, it “brings artists ranging from pop to reggae and world music as well as indigenous sounds from Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands”.

Damian Marley is Bob Marley’s youngest son. When he was 13 years old, Damian formed a musical group called the Shephards, which included the daughter of Freddie McGregor. Damian used his father’s influence to kick-start his music career that saw him opening the 1992 Reggae Sunsplash Festival. Since then, he has released four studio albums, 14 singles and five collaborative releases.

The event is sponsored by the South African Department of Arts and Culture, The Mercury, Sunday Tribune, East Coast Radio and Air Austral.