Mohalenyane Phakela
REGGAE and Dancehall artist C-Jo is set to perform at the inaugural two-day reggae festival from 23-25 September in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hosted by Bantu Media SA and RUF, the Caribbean-themed musical extravaganza dubbed “Africa Unite Reggae Sunsplash” is aimed at fostering harmony and unity among African artists while catering for the Jamaican diaspora living in Africa.
The festival is expected to become an annual event bringing together African reggae and dancehall artistes in order to promote the genre across the continent.
C-Jo this week told the Weekender that despite being caught unawares by the invitation, he was raring to go and would give his best as it will be his debut international festival.
“I have performed at several local shows including the annual Summa Mashup and at Jamaican Sizzla Kalonji’s show at 4Fordy last year. This will be my first appearance outside the country and at a huge festival at that,” C-Jo said.
“Tapping into the international market has always been my dream since I started performing in 2004 but this came as a surprise.
“The organizers said they came across my tracks on the music applications YouTube and Datafilehost which I use to distribute songs.”
He said the organisers then searched for him on Facebook on which they negotiated the terms of his performance.
“I am looking forward to the show and I believe it will open many doors after making an impression there. Apart from that, there will be several artistes I’ve always dreamed of sharing the stage with so this will give me the opportunity to go beyond that dream and even foster working relations,” he said.
The Kiss The Sky hit-maker will share the stage with artistes such as Warrior from the East, Lion Paw, Don Royal, Seventon, Jahnett Tafari, Jahkongo, Siano, Fanta Jozi, Tamaya Waka Chavula, Carlos Djedje, Momo Dread, Jahzo, Bongo Riot, Maya Rose and Dread Kings among others.
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The Ha Mabote-based C-Jo also said that despite hard work and sacrifice made by local musicians, there were little if any rewards in the industry in the country.
“We are struggling financially in Lesotho as we do not get royalties for our music. We get little support from fans hence the excitement when we get foreign bookings. My ultimate goal is to be recognised as an international brand and have opportunities to perform overseas,” he added.
