Pachedu. Directly translated it means "on our own." This is a Shona word that exudes with pride. In the political sphere it has a notoriety with patriotism and in the colloquial it speaks to community. On a night at The Hub in Harare (a gem hidden behind the city's dusty lacquer), Music Connects Africa added another twist to the word's framing with their debut DJ showcase.
Pachedu's etymology gained a new association - one with music, and a cohort of talented DJs gained a new platform.
From a deck that overlooked a quaint garden, a few names that have established themselves, alongside rising acts, told a story mainly written in house. There were no headliners or openers, just a group of DJs with a shared love of spinning the decks. On the surface it was just another DJ event, beneath that it was an opportunity to crown new talents, and deeper it was a symbol of the growing resonance of house music in Zimbabwe.
The afternoon was a soulful serenade that feature a bit of everything from Andile Brown, an amapiano set by MadeHerBelieve (a rarity these days), and the experimental from DJ Naida.
As the sun kissed the Earth, Plumtree's finest, in DJ Yugoe, elevated the pulse of the occasion with Afro house. From his collaboration with Tahle We Dzinza "Joy To The City," to the "Fire/Desire (Nitefreak Remix)," to DJ Arabic's "No ID," we traversed house's African sub-genres with a distinctive under current of Afro house. In an otherwise captivating performance, Yugoe's one blemish was playing that AI remix of Stromae's "Papaoutai."
Dusk was a moment Bulawayo as Crazy Dee took over the music curation with an hour long set laced in 3-step. The usual suspects in Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Dlala Thukzin, Mörda and MaWhoo all made an appearance, alongside a few surprises. When the hour was over, Crazy Dee had potentially won the night.
Tvwvndv took on the mantle next with driving selections of gqom. The tempo was infectious and there were more than a few picks for playlist, with DJ Stavo's "Mweya Muchena" alongside Oliver Mtukudzi being a standout. From ear shattering claps and pulse racing drums, Shaku Chanté toned down the intensity with amapiano selections that brought our voices to life. We sang, we felt, we remembered and we cherished the moment.
Spunj took us from songs we knew to exclusives Shazam couldn't decipher (we desperately need that music out in the world), yet we instantly loved. We had dabbled with nostalgia but he brought us to the present, and was arguably the star of night.
Pachedu's first chapter was closed off by TAPIWA and Jay, who once again elevated the tempo. There had been a few rough edges, a dance floor had felt missing, but this had been a musical journey that tugged on the right emotions. Imperfect, yet just right. It built upon what we had seen at Creative Economy Week and showcased more than just the potential of homegrown talent behind the decks.
Greedysouth rating: 7/10