Don Dada

Don Dada (born Menelik Nesta Gibbons) is a powerful voice in African reggae and hip-hop — a Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) Voting Member, multi-platinum selling artist, and multiple award-winning musician. The Zimbabwe, South African, Don Dada began his musical journey at just 13. At 16, he earned national attention at MTV’s Gilman Make Us Famous competition, where the Garage Band competition format was changed to include hip-hop just to accommodate him— Don Dada took second place, signaling the rise of a new star.
His breakthrough moment arrived with a commanding performance on the 2016 MTN Mandela Day Concert Stage, and since then, he’s graced major stages locally and internationally, including the Bob Marley Tribute Concert in Kingston (Jamaica), Heads Up Kenya, and Dermaco Festival in Zimbabwe.
Don Dada has collaborated with some of the most revered figures in reggae music. His production credits include partnerships with legendary producers Sly & Robbie, Delroy Thompson, Sir Coxsone Dodd, Leroy Scarlet, and Touter Harvey, reinforcing his status as a global artist rooted in African and Jamaican musical heritage.
A key pillar of Don Dada’s legacy is his tribute to Nelson Mandela through music. He holds the distinction of having three official Mandela tracks, including the 2017 multi-platinum hit “Viva Mandela”, which reached multi-platinum status within just four months of release. The 2018 remix featuring the iconic Mahotella Queens song premiered on the prestigious Mandela Day 2018 stage at Constitution Hill for Tata Madiba’s 100th Birthday Celebration.
His latest release, “PEACE”, is a powerful and timely interpolation of Bob Marley’s prophetic anthem “War”, reimagined for a new generation. The track is more than music — it is a call to global unity, justice, and transformation. “PEACE” is available now on all digital platforms and continues to attract widespread acclaim. An essential listen for fans of conscious music and a bold statement for promoters seeking an artist with substance and sonic impact.
Don Dada continues to build an international movement, using music not just to entertain, but to educate, uplift, and unite. His work has been recognized with multiple honors including the Icons of Africa – Pan Afrika Voice of Unity Awards, SAUMA Special Recognition Award, a 2025 nomination for Best Reggae Album at the SAMA31 Awards and a nomination of Best In Diaspora at Zim Hip-Hop Awards.