THE annual Zim Link Up festival will kick off today in Birmingham, the United Kingdom.
The two-day festival is being headlined by performers Freeman, Takura, Killer T, Ex-Q, and Nutty O, among others.
Ex Q and Nutty O will be making a return after having performed at the event last year.
The jamboree, which has promoted local artistes in the Diaspora, has existed for the past seven years and the organiser, Kivo Santana said they were in a drive to globalise local talent and sound.
“We’re excited to have last year's artistes joining us again this year,” said Santana.
“In 2022 we took the event to two cities, Birmingham and Manchester, selling out both shows.
“Several people are excited about the event and this year's demand is record-breaking due to the strength of the brand.
“The Zim Link Up brand has grown from just a small club event to a full blown concert brand, which will propel not only the artistes, but Zimbabwean music to the world stage.
“This year we have taken the event to a world-class venue, Forum, in Birmingham. This is the same venue where we hosted Davido, Uncle Waffles and DJ Maphorisa in 2022.”
Santana said every artiste will be backed by a live band, Hot Property Band and Shabach the Band. Nutty O will be given a chance to perform his latest release Makanonoka, which he released last week.
The track has been making tremendous strides on radio and on social media platforms.
“Making a return to Zim Link Up really means a lot because the return is based on people's request,” said Nutty O.
“We are building a new culture for both the Zimbabwean diaspora and the world at large. We are also setting a platform for Zimbabwean creatives to showcase their intention to globalise their music craft.”