By Moses Mugugunyeki
Rising South Africa-based Zimbabwean hip-hop sensation King 98’s stock is rising on the continental scene following the release of his debut album Francesca early this month.
After the launch, an event that was graced by continental powerhouses, including Nigerian Davido and South Africans Nasty C and Nadia Nakai, King 98 seems to be making forays into the cut-throat regional music industry.
The 21-year-old has been so busy during the past fortnight visiting radio stations in Zimbabwe and South Africa for interviews, a development that has been given thumbs up by his South Africa-based manager Faith Siporo.
“King 98 has been busy after the launch of his album Francesca. Here in South Africa his music is being played on radio and television channels such as Channel O and Trace Africa,” Siporo said.
“On RBT’s Caller Tunes, King98 made it into on the Vodacom’s Top 20 on Welcome Tunes, at Number 16. South African radio stations like Ukhozi FM, Legwalagwala FM and Thobela FM have also received his music as well.”
She pointed out that the song No Bad Vibes, a track that features Davido, was doing well in South Africa.
“We will be embarking on the second leg now publicising and promoting his music when he comes back from Nigeria,” she said.
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Siporo confirmed that the Defeat singer was attracting a lot of attention, with promoters jostling for his performance.
“King 98 is preparing for his gig in Zambia on May 25 and two weeks later, he will go to Nigeria for almost a month to promote the album. Then he will be back in South Africa for the launch of the album,” she said.
“As you may know, there is a track [Wacko] on the album that features our local artiste Nasty C and they will soon do another second duet which will be followed by a video. All that I can say is watch King 98 as he will be making Zimbabweans proud with his new offering Francesca.”
Meanwhile, King 98 told Standard Style that he would be travelling to Zambia and Nigeria for a number of projects.
“It had been busy, but I am coping well. I am travelling to Zambia and Nigeria. I have a performance in Zambia and I was invited by Davido to network with Nigerian artistes and record in that country,” he said.
The former Watershed College student will be the headline act at Phoenix Rising Teen Awards and Music Festival at the Polo Arena in Lusaka. The event is being organised by Zambian entertainment hub Amigos Events.
King 98 will be recording a single with a top Nigerian musician next month.
