Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE tranquil waters of Osborne Dam in Odzi were transformed into a sea of rhythm, colour, and joy last Saturday as hundreds of fun-lovers, across all ages, flocked to the much-anticipated Osborne Summer Splash, which stands as one of the most electrifying outdoor festivals in 2025.
From the moment the gates opened, at around 9am, the scenic lakeside buzzed with excitement.
The weather could not have been more perfect as a golden sun shimmered across the water, with gentle breezes carrying the scent of grilled meat, while music drifted through the air like a celebration of summer itself.
The setting was idyllic.
The dam’s vast blue waters served as a natural stage backdrop, and its lush surroundings burst into life with laughter, song, and movement.
It was Baba Harare’s night.
His grand return to live jiti performances after more than two years away was a spectacle.
The “Reason Why” hit-maker took to the stage with his trademark swagger, and from the first guitar strum, the crowd erupted.
Fans screamed, danced, and sang along, waving their hands in rhythm as if welcoming back a long-lost friend.
It was a night to remember as the lanky singer poured his heart and soul into every song, reaffirming his position as the undisputed king of jiti.
From the moment he took to the stage, his commanding presence and infectious energy had the crowd on their feet, singing and dancing along to every beat.
The versatile musician delivered a perfectly balanced set, seamlessly blending old favourites with fresh material.
Songs like “Mombasa”, “Nairobi”, and “Hat Dzemurara” sent fans into a frenzy, proving why they remain timeless crowd-pullers.
Baba Harare also performed “Poverty”, a gospel-inspired track he penned during his brief foray into gospel music under the moniker King David.
The song struck a chord with many, reflecting the artiste’s versatility and spiritual depth.
It was evident that the audience had truly missed him.
His emotional reunion with his legion of fans was a remarkable sight. Many were visibly moved as he paused midway through his set to thank them for their patience and loyalty during his stint in gospel music.
Sharing the stage was Nisha Ts.
Her set was energetic and magnetic, with her dancers and bright costumes, including a baggy jean short and brown and black Timberland shoes, adding sparkle to the already vibrant atmosphere. She owned the stage with her commanding presence, weaving through her catalogue of hits and keeping the energy alive.
Her all-female band was also a marvel to watch performing.
Local performers such as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Band, as well as Ragga Manyika outfit, Assegai Crew, despite performing early when some revellers were still trickling in, did not disappoint either.
Away from the stage, the event had the unmistakable feel of a mini tourism festival.
Families and groups spread across the lawns and sandy banks, soaking up the sunshine and the music.
Children laughed and squealed at the jumping castles, face-painting booths, and quad biking tracks, while others splashed joyfully in the water, enjoying what some called natural hydrotherapy.
Boating and braai added a wholesome family touch to the day, blending recreation with relaxation in true Manicaland fashion.
Local vendors and entrepreneurs also made brisk business selling everything from snacks, drinks, and braai packs to sunglasses, hats, and handcrafted souvenirs.
For many small traders, the event was not just entertainment — it was an economic opportunity.
The synergy between tourism, music, and local enterprise was on full display, underscoring Osborne Dam’s potential as both a leisure destination and an economic hub.
