The UMP Festival is pleased to announce that South Africa based artist Gemini Major is another international headliner at this year’s event slated for BAT Ground in Blantyre on November 6.
Born Benn Gilbert Kamoto, Gemini Major is a Malawian born Afro–pop singer and record producer. The 26-year-old moved to Durban, South Africa, in 2009 to pursue his dream as an artist and record producer.
Gemini Major has produced for a number of artists in a variety of genres ranging from R&B, Hip-Hop, House, Dancehall, Pop and Gospel. His portfolio includes production used in TV Shows such as Gold Diggers Season 3, Forever Young and Mo Love.
Gemini Major, who is inspired by artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Bob Marley and I-Octane, describes his music as “a celebration of music, love and life in recognition for both its pain and pleasures on a personal level as well as socially”.
After a chance meeting with Cassper Nyovest and his team at a video shoot for a song that Gemini Major had produced, he joined the Family Tree team, and he is currently working on his debut project.
After the release of Nasty C’s hit single “Juice Back”, Gemini has become the go to producer for some of South Africa’s leading Hip-Hop artists. Apart from producing for some of South Africa’s top artists, Gemini has appeared on songs alongside Khuli Chana and African legend 2 Face.
Gemini Major, who is currently producing for numerous artists and working on his debut project has released four songs namely “Badmanting” feat. Aewon Wolf, “Bumpy Ride”, “Ragga Ragga” and the latest “One Night Stand”. In 2016, Gemini Major was selected to participate in Season 2 of Coke Studio as a producer.
“We are thrilled to announce Gemini Major as the headliner of this rising festival. He is a Malawian who is a rising star on the African music scene. We are sure Malawians will be thrilled to see his performance. Furthermore, he will raise the profile of the UMP Festival,” says Ken Zizwa Limwame, the festival’s co-executive producer.
Gemini joins the first international headliner Pop Dogg who was announced by UMP Festival organisers Nde’feyo Entertainment in the initial lineup of performers released in August. Pop Dogg is a multi-award winning Malawian Hip-Hop artist based in Dublin, Ireland.
The first wave of artists unveiled included the 2015 UMP Awards Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominee Nepman, Song of the Year nominee Sonye, Song of the Year winner Martse, Best New Artist winner Sangie as well as Theo Thomson, Blaze, DNA and Bucci.
The UMP Festival has also added Fredokiss, Daredevilz, Home Grown African, Charisma, Malinga Mafia, Phyzix and Dezert Eagle. More acts are expected to be announced.
In its 5th Edition, the UMP Festival, produced by Nde’feyo Entertainment, celebrates Malawi’s urban music, lifestyle and culture and incorporates the UMP Awards, a ceremony that recognizes Malawi’s exceptional urban music talent.
