Unplugged is one of those festivals that we had missed deeply (HIFA is right next to it in that regard). We regularly felt the absence of it. It resonated with a specific crowd, and, in true form, when it came back, it came back loud. The vibes were exactly right.
If you attended the December edition hoping for a vibe check, the March one was even vibier.
An event review by Sandra Garwe
First things first: the baddies were out in full force, showcasinga freedom in fashion you only see at festivals. The staff were impressively hospitable, helping carry chairs, directing people to their spots, and genuinely making attendees feel looked after. They displayed a level of care rare at Zimbabwean events. Often only Liquor Supplies can deliver such a standard of customer care.
The festival grounds were designed to cater to the entire family, with a kids zone, gaming space and the mainstream for the adults to have fun. Now the performances:
MC Tatts
Unmatched energy. MC Tatts has truly mastered his craft. He knew this crowd (ama1k), and he played his role accordingly. As a generation, we never moved on from Urban Grooves, from that peak dancehall era (Diwali riddim days), from the R&B that raised us, the Ushers, the Ne-Yos. Together with DJ Fujee they made sure their playlist matched our needs. The set where he played Chris Brown's "Yeah," followed by Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child" was a standout, the whole place lost it.
Can I talk about the dance moves? He said, "Waist where?" and the ladies were sorted. Can someone ask him to catalogue those dances? The tiny shorts were a perfect addition to the aesthetic. He knows how to keep the crowd engaged and the ladies very, very entertained *wink*.
Takunda Kurikunyepa
The next best thing, in true Unplugged fashion, he performed for the lovers. "Munda Ndewako" is firmly on the playlist now, and the acoustic version of "Muteuro" showed that he has the voice to match the hype. The fact that he had people vibing that early in the afternoon says everything. He is on the path to stardom.
MadeHerBelieve
He knows his way around the decks. Had people on their feet while the sun was still blazing and took us back through house music, the Xigubu era. Then the original Afrobeats, P-Square. Everyone knows that on "Chop My Money" the whole crowd was waiting for the Jackie Chan part without exception. We are all childish. Then music from the "Kukere" days. Pure nostalgia for the ama1k, delivered with precision.
Voltz JT
Unplugged crowds typically ease into the energy as the day progresses. The afternoon is laid back and things are elevated layer. Voltz JT did not get that memo. He had the crowd jumping at 4 pm. That says everything you need to know.
Atenda Chinx
Energetic and fully in control of the crowd. Everyone raved to "Makoti," Cde Chinx really left us a gem. The one moment of national disappointment came when she called for a tall guy to come on stage and, well, the whole country let her down. There are no tall guys in Harare or what? We need to address this as a people.
Tocky Vibes — the surprise act, and the winner of Unplugged
"After all the chatter when his album launch flopped, Tocky came back to remind everyone exactly who he is."
Nobody saw him coming. However, by the time he was done, it was clear: Tocky had won Unplugged. He played every fan favourite, brought every vibe, and silenced every doubter. This set was the starting pistol for the full rave. TOCKY VIBES.
Kae Chaps
He took us back to the Covid-era deep cuts and had the crowd locked in. Then he tried to leave without playing "Juzi." Harare people, why are we always breaking each other's hearts? The way the crowd begged for "Juzi"? Stop it, guys! When the song finally dropped, every single person in the venue sang along, the emotions were real. Easily top 3 on the night.
Nutty O
Consistent as they come. He has never disappointed at any of his shows. "Handipere Power," "Kokai" (make of that what you will, Poptain), "Peter Pan," "Too Much." At this point, all of Unplugged was dancing. Solidly top 3.
MuGaratia
He came late. No opinion offered here. Ngaasadaro nenguva yedu.
Ami Faku
Sadly as she began, home was calling for me, and my Unplugged had come to an end.
One thing that deserves real appreciation: the logistics. Too many Zimbabwean concerts end with you sitting in a sea of trash by 6 pm like we are at Geo Pomona. Not here. Staff were constantly picking up litter throughout the event. The toilets stayed clean and orderly all night. No one was peeing outside. It sounds basic, but in this market, it is genuinely exceptional, and the organisers deserve credit for it.
Unplugged is back, and it delivered. Same crowd, same culture, same love for the music that raised us, just with the execution it always deserved.
Greedysouth rating: 8/10
All images in this article were shot by Dennis Makaya.