Malawian Dancehall Artist Blasto to Perform in Tanzania

By Patrick Ng’ambi

Mzuzu, August 5, Mana: After performing in a series of shows in the country last month, Malawi’s renowned Reggae and Dancehall artist Blasto, born Otis Chilamba is set to perform at Zanzibar’s fourth Edition of Zanzibar Reggae Festival which is scheduled for this Friday till Saturday in Tanzania.

The Zanzibar Reggae Festival is an environmentally conscious two day- event which promotes showcasing of reggae music from all around the globe. It is held in Stone Town on the Island of Zanzibar.

In an interview on Thursday in Mzuzu, Blasto said it was an honour for him to be part of the festival as it provides him a platform to showcase to the world what Malawi has on the reggae scene.

“This is the time to network with other players in the business mainly the vibrant East African reggae gurus,” Blasto said.

He said the organizers of the festival included him among the performers at the event because of his undiluted reggae music which is loved by many at both local and international levels.

“I play undiluted reggae music, so, there is nothing better that people want to see at a reggae show than some authentic reggae music by an authentic artist,” Blasto added.

The Artist said that he offers nothing but the best and patrons should expect an electrifying performance as he says will bring along a piece of Malawi that people can be proud of.

“It feels great to represent myself as well as the country everywhere I go, it is only natural for an artist to feel so,” he pointed out.

Several musicians and Blasto’s fans took to social media to express their excitement towards the development and to show their love and support to the reggae and dancehall artist.

Fellow Reggae and Dancehall artist, King Chambiecco on Facebook wrote  “Represent us star, Imva to the world.”

Nile Dawa from Kenya and Mack El Sambo from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among the international performers at the festival while Ras Gumbo and Ras Coco are among the many local performers.

The Festival occurs annually and was founded by a huge reggae fan, Ras Side. The Zanzibar Festival team is made up of people from the Island of Zanzibar itself.