Bling 4 takes 'Ghetto Yut EP' to South Africa: Two shows billed for first weekend of May in Pretoria

KUDZAI CHITSATSO

PRETORIA – Oil Company Promotions brings Bling 4 to Pretoria this coming weekend, with the hip hop star set to perform at Club Africa and Club Yolo on Saturday and Sunday respectively. 

Bling 4 tours South Africa, starting off at Club Africa on Saturday

After an impressive run of singles and collaborations in 2023, Bling 4 has risen to upper echelons of Zim Hip Hop royalty with his catchy flows and relatable lyrics. On 21 April, he cemented his place as one of Zim Hip Hop's big names with the release of a six-track Extended Play (EP) titled Ghetto Yut. 

The project has gone beyond the usual online hype characteristic of Zim Hip Hop releases, and has been enjoying massive airplay on radio since its release. Fan favourites include the catchy but profound Ama2k, Vana Venyu to which Gemma Griffiths lent her voice; and the Enzo Ishall-assisted Mukati. 

A Zimbabwean artist's mainstream breakout would be incomplete without the sojourn down south, where a multitude of Zimbabweans are always keen to experience their own artists live on stage. 

Coming off receiving the award for 'Best Promoter in the Diaspora' at the recently held 2024 Zimdancehall Awards, Oil Company Promotions has stepped up to the plate to bring Bling 4 to Pretoria for his first ever South African tour. 

In an interview with Zimsphere Music, Oil Company Promotions founder Bornfree Matavanda could not hide his excitement about and anticipation for Bling 4's double header this coming weekend. 

"I am excited about the upcoming shows and we are expecting fireworks from Bling 4. His music is trending all over right now, I am sure the people here will love him and they're going to enjoy his music," he said.

Sunday's show at Club Yolo

As for the recognition back home, Matavanda expressed his delight at scooping the hotly contested Award, and thanked fans for choosing Oil Company Promotions. 

"We are happy to be winning the award at the Zimdancehall Awards, and we are always happy to be supporting our artists. There were eight nominees in the category, and because of the people who have voted for us we won the award. So, I'd like to say thank you," expressed Matavanda.

Matavanda also shared his thoughts on emerging promoters who are bent on snatching Oil Company Promotions' dominance in the Promoters' space. For the experienced promoter, collaboration triumphs competition, as he concluded; 

"They are people getting into music promotion who are inexperienced, and they are working under a lot of pressure so that they can beat us. That's not it.

"If someone wants to join the industry, let's rather join hands for the industry's ultimate success, not to compete. We are not at competition with anybody, but we are doing our best to push Zimbabwean music forward."

If you're in Pretoria, catch Bling 4 live for two nights. On Saturday, he'll be performing at Club Africa — Corner Wuburn and Swan. On Sunday, witness the Mbare-bred hip hop star's brilliance at Club Yolo — 85 Steve Biko Road in Sunnyside.