Jidenna loves Thomas Mapfumo and Tuku-Coming to Africa

Classic Man Jidenna 'loves Mukanya Chimurenga Music'

By Robert Mukondiwa

It’s confirmed!

This September hot music protégé and man of the moment Jidenna flies to Africa for a two nation tour starting in his native Nigeria followed by gigs in South Africa.

Riding on the crest of a wave off of his singles Classic Man, Long Live The Chief, and latest hit single Chief Don’t Run which dropped officially last week, Jidenna spoke exclusively to me announcing his tour and album launch…and a little bit more love for Zimbabwe than previously known!

“I have so much love for Zimbabwe and I have (a) good friend over there man. In fact I love the music of ‘Tuku’ (Oliver Mtukudzi) and Thomas Mapfumo,” he said before mentioning that he kind of figured his interviewee was Shona just from reading the name!

Lion of Jidenna...Thomas Mapfumo (Pic Okay Africa)

Jidenna, whose hits are part of United States President Barack Obama’s playlist, says he has Zimbabwean Chimurenga as part of his playlist and has a warm love affair with Zimbabwean music introduced to him by his close mate Tatenda Mutseyekwa.

“I’d love to give a special shout out to Tatenda for introducing me to that music and hope one day to come to Zimbabwe if only for a visit because me and Tatenda go back a long way,” said the meteoric star.

The Jidenna juggernaut will also be in a unique alliance with Sony Music South Africa, which coordinated the exclusive interview and Sony West Africa. He will not only be touring for exclusive performances, but will also launch his eagerly anticipated promised scorcher album ‘Long Live The Chief’ as well as host a series of glamorous launch parties.

His first break-out single ‘Classic Man’ was smouldering and has gone on to get an enviable Grammy nomination off the Eephus EP and the hip hop world knew for sure that shots had been fired by the Wisconsin born American with Nigerian roots. 

He has gone on to be influenced by being partially raised in Nigeria, Boston, the Francisco Bay area and Brooklyn New York.

Jidenna will also give exclusive interviews to select media houses and leading radio stations around Africa which I will be carrying.

Look out for more hot content on Jidennas tour to Africa including exclusive pictures.