The Jacaranda's are blooming, which means our annual allergies are acting up, the time for mangoes near, and the country's biggest festival is just around the corner (263 Culture Fest offers up a great challenge but it's not there yet). This year's Jacaranda Music Festival lineup was received with mixed emotions. People didn't say they wouldn't be there but there was a begrudginess to the attendance.
The 2025 Jacaranda Music Festival lineup is one heavy on nostalgia but bountiful in talent. As has been long proved, the Jacaranda stage is one for great performers and not just recognisable. For us this year's lineup has more than enough about it to love (and a little to hate). Here's a list of 5 things we've noted:
Music Connects Africa
If you're around the music space then this accelerator programme is one familiar to you. Music Connects Africa seeks to be a springboard for emerging artists and in partnership with the Jacaranda Music Festival, they are going to giving Noluntu J, Kyla Blac, Msiz'kay, Masa Caroleen and Melyssa ZW a chance to perform on the grandest of stages. Ignore the crowd that was asking, "Who are these people?" - they never show up in time for the early performances. Unknown names have often given the most memorable of performances at the festival and if last year's cohort of Bush Baby X, Novuyo Seagirl, Kim Makumbe and Cingi is anything to go by, we're in for something good again this year.
FRIDAY
We might be unhappy with the curation on other days (festivals always try to force your hand to attend all days - which is good for them honestly), but Friday is a standout in it's lineup of performers. We have Spunj, DJ Sox, Hlokoza Nesty, MadeHerBelieve (he has more believers than the average prophet), ExQ (his new album is brilliant and also "Maidei"), Kamo Mphela (no one else can dance and sing like that) and Jazzworx & Thukuthela (the Kings of 3-step, "Isaka" and "Uzizwa Kanjani" for the layman).
Murumba Pitch
There is no doubt that Murumba is talented and a consistent performer, but this feels like it's too soon. We had them at the 2023 Jacaranda Music Festival (it was great how they took up the mantle after Daliwonga didn't show up), and they've been headlining everything like they are the new Mafikizolo. A good act but the Jacaranda faithful seems to want a taste of somethingdifferent(Jacaranda is known for it's variety). Also since they split up who are we getting? Murumba or Pitch?
Jinger Stone
After diamonds, beef and Letsile Tebogo, this just might be Botswana's greatest export. The singer has landed her voice to Kelvin Momo's "Take Me To The River," Murumba Pitch's "Mpulele," Thakzin's "Ke Nna Yao," Sfarzo Rtee's "Be My Somebody," and Bandros' "Space." This is Jacaranda's Jack in a box, the unexpected package. If she sings on that stage as good as she does on her TikToks, it's going to be memorable.
House Music
Due to the sounds currently dominating world Music, or maybe just a work of their curatorial policy (the last 2 years were just like this, Jacaranda 2025 is going to be dishing out a healthy dose of house music. Amapiano with Kamo Mphela, 3-step with Jazzworx & Thukuthela, Afro house with Ace Frvr, private school piano with Jinger Stone and gqom with DJ Tira. For the house lovers each day has something to offer.
What day are you going to be attending this year?
FRIDAY
Spunj, DJ Sox, MadeHerBelieve, Hlokoza Nesty, Kamo Mphela, Jazzworx & Thukuthela
SATURDAY
Ace Frvr, Kyla Blac, Msiz'kay, Masa Caroleen, Jinger Stone, Candeleros, Diamond Musica, Enzo Ishall, Vusi Nova, Mafikizolo, Murumba Pitch
SUNDAY
Spunj, Melyssa, Noluntu J, Boohle, Agga Nyabinde, Chucknosis, The Soil, Lamiez Holworthy, Tira
The Jacaranda Music Festival will return for it's 7th edition on the first weekend of October. Running from 3-5 October the three day event will once again be hosted at Thornpark Polo Club in Harare.
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