Chris Martin, Busy Signal to Headline Star-Studded Kadoma Music Festival
Reggae and dancehall will collide with Zimbabwean music royalty this October as Jamaican hitmakers Chris Martin and Busy Signal headline the Kadoma Music Festival (KMF) at The Odyssey, Kadoma, on October 11.
The electrifying duo will share the stage with local powerhouses Alick Macheso, Winky D, Freeman HKD, Julian King, and Feli Nandi, creating a genre-bending lineup that promises to be one of the year’s most unmissable music events.
Festival organisers hinted that more local acts may still be added to the already explosive roster.
In a surprising twist, Jah Prayzah–a regular feature alongside Winky D and Macheso at KMF will not be performing at this year’s edition, marking a significant shift in the festival’s usual star trio formula.
According to a report by H-Metro, the fourth edition of the Kadoma Music Festival is aiming for a fresh blend of sounds and experiences.
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Organisers say this year’s event reflects a deliberate move toward diversity and musical inclusivity.
Festival director Prince Maradze told the Zimpapers Entertainment Hub that fan preferences heavily influenced the artist selection this year.
“After every edition, we take time to listen to comments and fan interest in terms of who they want to see next,” he said.
Last year’s headliner was Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, who lit up the stage with a high-energy performance.
This year, the island heat is being turned all the way up with Chris Martin’s smooth reggae-R&B fusion and Busy Signal’s dancehall fire.
Chris Martin, famous for romantic anthems like “Cheaters Prayer” and “Big Deal,” is expected to bring soulful vibes and vocal finesse to the KMF stage, while Busy Signal’s hits like “Stay So,” “Come Over,” and “One More Night” promise to ignite the crowd with his infectious energy.
“We are always trying to grow and bring new fans to the event, which is why we explore different genres something you will definitely see this year. Definitely expect fireworks as always,” Maradze added.
KMF has fast become one of Zimbabwe’s premier entertainment showcases, drawing both regional and international acts.
Past editions have featured music giants like Koffi Olomide, Mafikizolo, and Makhadzi, cementing Kadoma’s growing status as a cultural and musical hotspot.
Beyond the music, the festival has had a notable impact on Kadoma’s economy, boosting revenue for hotels, local businesses, and tourism players.
It’s also helped shape the city’s identity as a vibrant hub of culture and celebration.
With this year’s explosive lineup, KMF 2025 is shaping up to be a legendary night under the stars where reggae rhythms meet sungura beats and dancehall meets the heart of Zimbabwe.
