In Zimbabwe's capital there is a wealth of experiences waiting around every corner. No matter your tastes, something to suit you can be found. In 2025, Harare, the city that never sleeps, truly lived up to its name. The nightlife was as vibrant as the city during daytime, and we indulged in everything it had to offer.
From our curators (who together attended 70+ events): Kudakwashe Gwatidzo (Harare Event Calendar), Tsungai Madzingira (@focusontsu), Tafadzwa Madzika (Greedy South & enthuse Magazine), and Sandra Garwe (Writer & Community Developer), here's the list of the 10 Harare events (its actually 11, there was a tie) that made our year:
Nijo kicked off 2025 with an announcement of his second tour, Stories I've Never Told. The comedy show went around the world before finally having its moment in Harare, and what a moment it was. It was simply hilarious and possibly comedy's best showcase throughout the year.
Girlfest returned last year with "an old affair." Open to interpretation (and not understood at all by the constituents at the time of announcement), the end result was a sea of well starched sun hats, summer dresses and outfits that carried an elegance perfect for a day at the horses.
This was complimented by a stage delivered memorable performances from Pretty Gangsta, Mimi, Kae Chaps, Chillmaster, Qounfuzed, Tamy Moyo, Dexta Rapper & Dad, Blaq Diamond, and ExQ. Read our full review here.
I Love Mbare Festival
The I Love Mbare Festival's location had given many trepidation, yet how could you be over-conscious of where you were when two Silents excelled at making sound; one with guitar and soul (Nqo), and another with a tongue that danced on the floor of literature (Killer), when Tamy Moyo stole from you her last name, and DJ Maphorisa was both Clark Kent and Superman? Read our full review here.
Jacaranda Music Festival
The Jacaranda Music Festival returned for its 7th edition at Thornpark Polo and it was both a trip into the past and an experience of the moment. It featured Kamo Mphela, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Diamond Musica, Jinger Stone, and DJ Tira among others. Ngoma Nehosho once again delivered in organisation.
One Night Only with Joe Thomas
17 years after his maiden visit, Joe Thomas made his long awaited return to Zimbabwe, and provided music fans with an experience they will long savour. The One Night Only with Joe Thomas concert was testament to years of hard work, perseverance and a big interconnected ecosystem that makes our dreams come alive as music lovers. Read our full review here.
Unplugged
A year in hiatus, the Unplugged Music Festival returned in December with a wave of nostalgia that melted hearts. Liquideep were the headliner, and alongside the impeccable Saintfloew & Shabach The Band, Sylent Nqo, Delroy Shewe, Sane Wav, Melyssa and Saiiren, it was return that made its mark. Read our full review here.
Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party Convention
At its core, creativity is shaped by its expression. The more you create, the better you are at it. Simple, yet in practise complex. This notion is one the Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party has continuously showcased over the years. It brings together a unique way of celebrating fashion, music and art that has to be experienced. Read our reflections on the event here.
Africa Voices Now Festival
Danai Gurira's Almasi Collaborative Arts brought to life the inaugural edition of the Africa Voices Now Festival, a festival of new African plays. 13 years in the making, the festival featured 3 original Zimbabwean stories in: Can We Talk? by Batsirai Chigama, These Humans Are Sick by Tatenda Mutyambizi, and The Return by Rudo Mutangadura. Read out review of These Humans Are Sick here.
The Good Seed & Food Festival
Imagine a stroll through the serene Botanical Gardens where you can indulge in some honeycomb, try some sugarcane juice, drink a mufandichimuka/zumbani ale, then sip on a baobab lager, while mupunga with mowa, muboora, goat curry, quail & guinea fowl, and more are on offer, with peanut butter and mulberry gelato are available for dessert. The Good Seed & Food Festival had so much to offer.
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem's Episode 3 was an exclamation point on December in Harare, defined by an unforgettable performance from Mörda. The DJ festival was graced by Bantu, Lamiez Holworthy, Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin. From the spectacular stage, to the organisation, and performances, Carpe Diem was a standout event on the calendar. Read our full review here.
ROOTS
The March edition of Samuel Cosmic's ROOTS with special guest Nitefreak, and a lineup that included The jahaTribe (making their debut), TAPIWA, Ash-T, Jay and BamBam Madame was a special showcase of Afro house's ever growing reach within Zimbabwe (Emagumeni Helensvale you're sorely missed). It ticked every box. Read our full review here.
Honourable Mentions:
Although not making the top ten, there are a select few events that won our hearts: the official opening of Chicago Dzviti's Potrait Showcase at National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Husqvarna Mud Run, SOKE's April edition, the European Film Festival Zimbabwe at Mbare Art Space and Garden Of House's Harare debut.