As the end of July approaches, the month is set to showcase a wealth of cultural events that honor Zimbabwean traditions through music, dance, and cuisine.
Locally, attendees will have a wide range of options, and Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom will also enjoy the festivities.
According to a survey by The Herald Arts, the weekend will feature a diverse selection of activities, including music, modeling, poetry, and theatre, with promoters preparing an array of events to kick off the weekend in style.
Here are some of the major events happening this weekend:
Masvingo’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Final
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance competition will conclude tomorrow at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. Groups from all 10 provinces will compete for the top prize of US$15,000.
Participants include Khaya Arts from Bulawayo, Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West), Culture Warriors (Harare), Dzimbahwe Nengoma (Mashonaland Central), Gango (Masvingo), Mkango Malawi Nyau Club (Midlands), Nyaungwe Dance Group (Mashonaland East), Dapurahunanzva Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Bolamba (Matabeleland South), and Pezhuba Pachena (Matabeleland North).
This annual dance contest is a major platform for showcasing Zimbabwean culture through dance.
Popular dances in Zimbabwe include Shangara, Dinhe, Mbakumba, Muchongoyo, Jerusarema, Amabhiza, Gule, Inquzu, and Mhande.
In addition, music stars Jah Prayzah, Killer T, and Tocky Vibes will energize the ancient city with their performances, bringing the festival to a close.
The trio will headline this year’s national finals after-party, and their renowned choreography has significantly increased the excitement surrounding this year’s traditional dance celebration.
Beauty queens organize a fundraising dinner for scholarships
On Sunday, Cresta Lodge in Msasa, Harare, will host a scholarship fundraising dinner led by Miss Supranational Zimbabwe, Yollanda Chimbarami.
Titled “Help a Child, Save a Nation,” the scholarship initiative, which began in Bindura, is part of Yollanda’s effort to give back to the community.
The event will feature a fashion show by designer Hilz Couture.
General tickets are priced at US$50, while VIP tickets are US$100.
Yollanda, from Mukombachoto Village, Chief Bepura in Guruve, is committed to empowering children through education and aims to support the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring quality education.
ZimFest celebrates diversity
This year’s two-day ZimFest at Hertfordshire Show Grounds will prominently feature Zimbabwean culture through exceptional music and cuisine for the UK community.
On the festival’s opening day, Winky D and Feli Nandi will headline, sharing the stage with Shinsoman, ExQ, and Poptain.
Sunday’s lineup will be led by Suluman Chimbetu, with performances from Enzo Ishall, Saintfloew, and DJ Tira, all at the same venue.
Hype-man DJ Fantan and DJ Levels will also be part of the lineup.
The event will also include top South African artists Felo Le Tee and Daliwonga, bringing amapiano vibes to the festival.
Star FM will provide live coverage from the ZimFest venue.
Organizers have set up three stages for the two-day event, designed to unite Zimbabweans in the UK.
Jazz sensation Maizon performs in H-Town
Dedicated jazz artist Maizon Tazvitya seems to be enjoying the fruits of his labor with an expanding fan base.
Tonight, he will perform a double set with Drogba, co-founder of Gwarimba.
Accompanied by the Ancient Voices and supported by his European fans who appreciate his music, Maizon will also be joined by jazz players and session musicians.
Paradzai Mesi in high spirits
The sungura artist, who has experienced a positive change thanks to rapper Mudiwa Hood’s intervention, is now in a favorable position.
Mesi will perform at FnG Bar & Restaurant (formerly Dandaro Inn) at the Harare Showgrounds.
He is currently previewing new tracks from his upcoming album, set to be released later this year.
Young Igwe performs energetically in the backyard
Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, heir to Utakataka Express, maintains that he still has the charm to captivate his audience.
Tonight, he will connect with fans at The Yard (formerly Bar Rouge) in Long Cheng Plaza, Belvedere, Harare.
He will be showcasing new tracks from his forthcoming album.
The former footballer is also committed to preserving his late father Tongai Moyo’s legacy.
Let Them Trust marimba, poetry, fashion festival set
The 12th edition of the Let Them Trust festival kicks off today at Churchill High School in Harare. Schools from across the country will present their talents in theatre, visual arts, fashion, poetry, and music, among other areas.
Founded by Chido Musasiwa, the event aims to unlock students’ potential through their performances.
“By celebrating Afrocentric creativity and Ubuntu values, this festival seeks to inspire young people to embrace their heritage and talents. It unites students, professionals, and the community to foster pride, solidarity, and a shared sense of purpose,” she said.
