When it comes to entertainment, Zimbabwe's capital is always bustling with something to do almost every weekend. This was especially true in the year 2024. From themed events to festivals, last year we had our pick of the bunch. Here's the list of our top 10 favourite events from the year:
Soke
Soke brought it's international debut to Harare in December and despite a few hiccups in organisation, it didn't disappoint. The concept of celebrating Africa, in not only music but fashion, was an easy sell and the event's first international edition was sold out well before the day. Attendees were taken on a musical journey across the continent, with Afro house, amapiano, rhumba, Afrobeats and Zimbabwean music among other genres.
Soul Avenue by Pub Choir
The September edition of Soul Avenue by Pub Choir was a memorable night of old school RnB and soul music. More than just a revelry of shared vocals, the night was a block party and the vibes were unreal.
Shoko Mash Up Night
Having lost some of it's lustre in yesteryears, the 2024 edition of Shoko Festival saw the event returning to the spotlight, with the Mash Up Night concert being especially outstanding. A long list of hip hop and pop acts rocked the stage, with Kayflow and Nadia Nakai topping it off. Read our full review here.
Deep End - Under The Stars
The October edition of Hidden Culture's Deep End was a night of house music under the night's sky, in the woodland home to Farm At Art. A curated selection of food trucks were on hand, keeping the audience served. While the decks were in the hands of Mimi, Bam Bam Madame and Jason Le Roux, each delivering a remarkable set. Read our full review here.
Girlfest
Girlfest 2024 brought the biggest edition of Zimbabwe's longest running women only festival. The organisation was near perfect, and atmosphere was one of free expression, that was topped off by exceptional performances. DJ Zinhle was the star on a lineup that brought their best to the stage. Read our full review here.
King Kandoro's Properganda Final Show
In December King Kandoro attempted the daring feat of selling out Celebration Centre and conquered. Supported by Nigel Tha Slick Pastor and Tinashe Fortune, the king of Zimbabwe comedy delivered his latest speech special in front of an audience of 3,500+. Properganda was an insightful exploration of current affairs and social commentary, with an irreverent poking of fun at numerous "authoritative" figures. Read our full review here.
Carpe Diem
In the middle of winter Ngoma Nehosho gave us the ultimate DJ party at Old Hararians Sports Club. Carpe Diem was a house music centred festival that saw the best on decks in South Africa and Zimbabwe sharing the stage. Ryan Synth, Shaku Chantè, Halu!, Oscar Mbo, and Prince Kaybee to name a few.
Jacaranda Music Festival
The city, the music, the people. The purple flowered tree festival returned for another edition from it's new home at Thornpark Polo Grounds. As always music stars from across Africa graced the stage. From DJ Neptune, to Dlala Thukzin, to Mi Casa, to Felo Le Tee and Mörda, along with the finest names in Zimbabwean music. Read our full review here.
263 Culture Fest
The second ever edition of the 263 Culture Festival was an event that boasted of some of the biggest names in southern African music. Uncle Waffles, Kelvin Momo, Zee Nxumalo, Blxckie, Mr Brown, Mthunzi... While they were initial doubts about the event, the organisers defied the odds and pulled it off. The crowds stayed through every performance despite the rain. Read our full review here.
HiNDE's Harare debut
Fresh from touring globe, Nitefreak returned home to host the 4th edition of his house event, Hinde. The double header weekend saw the event gracing Harare on Saturday and Bulawayo on Sunday. It was the Afro house showcase's first time in Harare and it certainly didn't disappoint. The undeniable peak of our outside experiences in 2024. Read our full review here.
Honourable mentions:
While they couldn't make the top 10 for the year, they're a select few events that were also dear to our hearts: The return of Unplugged in collaboration with Coca Cola bringing the global food festival concept to Harare (Unplugged x Coca Cola Food Fest), Halloween at Queen Of Hearts under the "Twisted Circus" meme, the Mixx Concert at Alliance Française de Harare celebrating the 2024 Francophone Week and Nigel Tha Slick Pastor's All In One Tour Shutdown at 7 Arts Theatre.
Enjoyed reading this news report? Support Greedysouth by buying the team a cup of coffee. Your support assists in the production of such quality reports. Thank you.