Tsungai Tsikirai Shines at Doek and Slay UK, Celebrates African Heritage

By Edward Makuzva

Last Saturday, Zimbabwean songstress Tsungai Tsikirai lit up the stage at the inaugural Doek and Slay UK edition, held at Colesdale Farm in London.

Backed by her dynamic band, Tsikirai delivered a performance brimming with passion, nostalgia, and African pride, cementing her place as one of Zimbabwe’s leading cultural ambassadors abroad.

Her powerful vocals reverberated through the venue as she performed songs from her childhood, including crowd favourites Mhondoro/Dzinomwa, Nhemamsasa, and Hautengwe traditional tunes passed down from her grandmother and featured on her latest album.

The performance had the audience dancing, clapping, and singing along, transforming the venue into a lively celebration of Zimbabwean roots.In a heartfelt moment, Tsikirai paid tribute to Busi Ncube, one of Zimbabwe’s pioneering female musicians.

Having been mentored by Ncube before relocating to the UK, Tsikirai expressed gratitude for the trailblazer’s influence.

“Gratitude is a must, and we must celebrate those who inspire us,” she said, prompting cheers from the crowd.

Her fans, who fondly call her the “African Queen” following her Harare album launch earlier this year, roared their approval.

The Doek and Slay UK lineup itself was a testament to Zimbabwean and African talent.

Alongside Tsikirai, artists such as Feli Nandi, Trevor Dongo, Tocky Vibes, Delroy Shewe, and the Intotal Band electrified the stage.

The event a colourful blend of music, fashion, and empowerment was made possible through the support of local and international sponsors including Nyaradzo Group and Remitley, who have been instrumental in hosting cultural showcases abroad.

Tsikirai’s performance stood out for another reason: her all-female frontline, a deliberate choice to spotlight women’s talent in the music industry.

“I wanted to work with these talented ladies to make history and launch Doek and Slay UK in a meaningful way,” she explained, drawing applause for championing female artists in a male-dominated field.

Beyond her stage presence, Tsikirai has steadily carved a niche as a cultural ambassador, using her music and dance to tell Zimbabwean and Southern African stories while advocating for mental health awareness and social issues.

Earlier this year, she visited Central Washington University under the Zimfest USA programme, where she led workshops in music, dance, and language an experience that underscored her commitment to cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, Tsikirai is gearing up for her next big showcase, Mabiko: Celebrate Africa, to be held on November 1st at the Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa.

The annual end-of-year event will feature African fashion, food, and live performances spanning soukous, marimba, imbube, and Afro-Jazz, promising an immersive celebration of the continent’s diversity.

For updates and ticket details, fans can follow @tsungitsikirai on her social media platforms.