When Jermaine Young-Bushay, founder of the cultural networking platform Caribbeans Connects, arrived at Zimfest 2025, he expected a lively celebration. What he encountered instead was a profound reminder of the shared cultural DNA between Africa and the Caribbean.

Invited to participate in the festival’s cultural exchange programme on Saturday, July 26, Young-Bushay was introduced to Zimbabwe’s booming Zim Dancehall scene, a genre that has surged in popularity among the nation’s youth. “I’d never heard of Zim Dancehall before,” he said. “But the moment I felt the bass, saw the crowd, and heard the artists like Winky D and Jah Hanief, it felt familiar. The lyrics were in Shona, but the vibe was pure Dancehall.”

Throughout the event, Young-Bushay said he was warmly embraced by the local community. He shared meals, sampled traditional drinks, and was gifted a handmade shirt by Zimbabwean designer Chatie. “It reminded me how deeply connected we are, not just through music, but through spirit,” he said.

That sense of kinship extended beyond the music. Many Zimbabweans he spoke with expressed affection for Caribbean cuisine, Jamaican culture, and especially reggae music. Bob Marley’s iconic 1980 performance at Zimbabwe’s independence was mentioned often as a symbol of enduring solidarity. “There were Jamaican flags everywhere,” Young-Bushay noted. “Even though no Jamaican artists were on the lineup this year, the Caribbean presence was undeniable.”

According to Zim Music Trends 2025, Zim Dancehall now makes up more than 60% of urban youth radio play across Zimbabwe, with online streaming of the genre doubling since 2023.

For Young-Bushay, the experience reinforced a growing need for strategic cultural partnerships between African and Caribbean artists. “Reggae and lovers rock artists in the UK and elsewhere are struggling to find gigs as the music industry shifts,” he said. “The future is about linking up, not just appreciating each other from afar, but actively creating spaces together.”

Video highlights of the event are available on the Caribbeans Connects Instagram page. Creatives interested in joining the platform can register at caribbeansconnects.com/talents.