Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu and Vuyisile Mlilo, Sunday Life Reporters
A few years ago, the idea that Bulawayo’s local dance music acts could fill up an arena without a single South African headliner would have been dismissed as a fantasy.
Suggesting that a Zimbabwean house music producer could go international and become one of the country’s most streamed artistes? You would likely have been laughed out of the room.
Yet, in 2025, both things are true. Garden of House has grown to become one of the most prestigious and well-attended gigs in the city, bringing together house music talent from Bulawayo and beyond, while Nite Freak is a touring juggernaut, establishing himself in the lucrative world touring circuit.
While Nite Freak is the superstar that looms large over the Zimbabwean dance music scene, another name that usually comes up when one talks house music in Bulawayo is DJ Ash T.
Although Garden of House has become the crown jewel in his portfolio, the young wheel spinner has transcended that platform, emerging as an influential figure in the local entertainment scene, as he juggles various events as part of the Bulawayo Exclusive Events collective.
In a few years, Ash T and his gang of music-loving friends have completely shifted the live entertainment landscape in Bulawayo, weaning the city of its strong affinity for costly South African performers while feeding it a staple of excellent local stars. Gone are the days when Bulawayo posters of heavyweight South African acts would go up on the streets every other month. Instead of the chaotic gigs that ran late into the wee hours of the morning, professionally-run lifestyle events that are timeous and designed to give revellers maximum value have become the order of the day.
At the heart of this change have been events like Garden of House, which have set new standards on the local entertainment scene. While Ash T has been at the front and centre of this revolution, he still remembers the humble beginnings of what was once but a dream among a few friends.
In an interview with Sunday Life, he recalled how back to 2009, long before streaming platforms made music easily accessible, when he and his friends would hunt around for the freshest tracks.
“We would challenge each other to get new music,” he said.
“It was hard back then, but we made it fun.”
Those informal listening sessions sparked something deeper, as he soon found himself on the decks.
“My friends had the DJ equipment, so they’d invite me over. We’d hang out and listen to music. That’s where I learnt how to DJ — just being in the room, watching, experimenting.”
It didn’t take long for Ash T’s curiosity to evolve into a full-blown passion.
“I believe in doing what I love. Seeing DJs in neighbouring countries doing it professionally made me realise — this could be a real career.”
His first gig came in 2012 at Bulawayo’s iconic Club 40Forty, a joint that had been a nursery for young DJs who have gone on to attain fame later in their careers.
“I set the place ablaze,” he said with a smile. “That moment made it real for me.”
While he has seen his career grow, masterminding the founding and growth of one of the city’s biggest music extravaganzas, Ash T remains grounded in community. Regular communion with other DJs is still an important part of his routine.
“Hosting listening sessions with other DJs gives us a chance to test music before it hits the public. I always have exclusive and unreleased music in my sets, blended with the sing-alongs people know and love. It’s the balance that keeps people locked in.”
His faith and discipline are just as much a part of his routine as the music itself.
“I believe in God and always start my day with prayer. Before gigs, I listen to my set repeatedly to get myself in the zone.”
While the fruits of his labour are evident, Ash is also honest about the challenges that come with being a house music artiste in Zimbabwe. “There was — and still is — a lack of equipment. We had to buy or hire. There’s no consistent funding, and no formal programmes to help DJs turn this into a full-time profession. We’ve had to create our own spaces and opportunities.”
Despite the challenges, progress is visible.
“The music scene is evolving. Producers are exporting their music, and some DJs have gone international. It’s motivating to see, and it gives me hope.”
On 1 June, DJ Ash T headlined a major festival, announcing emphatically that he had now arrived in the world of music. It is a moment that he did not take lightly.
“I was beyond excited! It was the perfect platform to showcase what I’ve been working on.”
Outside the booth, he’s also active in Bulawayo’s broader arts scene, as he is often subcontracted for marketing and creative projects.
“It’s a space I’ve come to love. Everything I do feeds into my creativity.”
Having risen from humble beginnings himself, Ash T said the city’s mushrooming house producers and DJs needed to stay true to themselves and think beyond just the songs they make when it comes to their careers.
“Keep working. Someone is watching and telling someone else how good you are. It takes time, but it’s worth it.”
“Stay true to your sound. Learn about branding, networking, money management — and surround yourself with the right team. If you’re serious about this, you need to treat it like a business.”
Ash T said he was currently working on new music, with collaborations with Murphy Cibiq, Terrie T (UK), Soweto Boy (UK), and Kotwane Hikwa in the works. Influenced by the likes of Nitefreak and DJ Maphorisa, Ash T is set on pushing his sound across borders.
His vision for the future is bold and local: “I’d love to see a three-day festival in Bulawayo. We’ve got the talent here. We just need the platform.”
