Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube [email protected]
SOME Bulawayo residents spent their Mother’s Day evening in celebration and song as music lovers gathered at Kings Kraal for the Boohle VIP Experience, an event that blended elegance, heartfelt moments and local talent into a memorable occasion.
From the warm-up sets to the headline performance by South African Amapiano star Boohle, the event delivered a fitting tribute to mothers through music and entertainment.
Unlike many club events where the headline act dominates the night, the Boohle VIP Experience was carefully layered, with each DJ and performer adding a distinct touch as the energy gradually built. The evening opened with a set by MJ The DJ, a student from NDS Academy, who confidently eased patrons into the night with a smooth mix of Hip-Hop and Trap. At that stage, the venue still carried the relaxed mood of a typical Sunday evening, with conversations flowing across tables while some patrons kept an eye on a football match playing in the bar area.
Her set did not attempt to force excitement too early. Instead, she read the room carefully, allowing the music to settle naturally into the environment while gradually drawing people closer to the dancefloor. It was a subtle yet important role that laid the foundation for everything that followed.
MJ The DJ was followed by DJ Ire Dread, who continued steering the night through Hip-Hop sounds while injecting more energy into the room. His selection carried a slightly heavier edge, enough to get heads nodding and pockets of the crowd moving more freely. Even as some guests remained focused on the football match nearby, the music steadily began to command the venue’s attention.
As more people filled the venue, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. Conversations grew louder, the dancefloor became busier, and anticipation for the main performance continued to build. During this stage, Stinah DaSoul took over with a smooth mix of House and Amapiano, helping transition the crowd from the relaxed opening mood into the more energetic tone that would define the rest of the night.
The energy rose further when DJ Yugoe took to the decks, increasing the tempo and deepening the Amapiano presence inside the venue. Patrons who had spent most of the earlier sets seated began moving closer to the stage, while others danced between tables as excitement continued to grow.
DJ Mufali’s set brought a significant shift in energy, instantly getting the crowd onto its feet. With a powerful selection of popular Amapiano hits, heavy log drums and seamless transitions, he turned the venue into a lively dancefloor. Backed by the energetic MC MTKAY Ntwana, DJ Mufali delivered what many attendees described as one of the standout sets of the night. MTKAY Ntwana’s crowd engagement added even more excitement, lifting every beat drop and sustaining the atmosphere throughout the performance.
When DJ Ire Dread returned later in the evening, he shifted the mood with a nostalgic Kwaito set that resonated with older guests while still appealing to younger fans. He later transitioned into Zimbabwean Dancehall, reconnecting the crowd with local sounds and perfectly setting the stage for the headline act.
Then came the moment the crowd had been waiting for. As Boohle stepped onto the stage, loud cheers erupted across the venue. Dressed elegantly and exuding the calm confidence that has made her one of Amapiano’s most recognisable voices, she immediately captured the audience’s attention. Opening with Woza, her collaboration with Mr JazziQ, Boohle immersed fans in the emotional sound that has defined her career. She followed with Wamuhle, alongside songs from her catalogue that kept the crowd singing throughout the performance.
The biggest moment of the night came when she performed the 2025 hit Shela, featuring Sam Deep and Nia Pearl. While fans sang along to every song, the atmosphere reached another level the moment the opening beat of Shela dropped, with the entire venue erupting into song.
Boohle’s strength has never relied solely on energetic performance. Instead, it lies in her ability to forge an emotional connection through her voice. That quality became even more meaningful on Mother’s Day, with many attendees embracing the softer, soulful atmosphere her performance brought to the venue.
Organisers had previously described the event as more than just another nightlife booking, explaining that Boohle was chosen specifically because of her emotional connection with audiences and her ability to deliver an intimate live experience. After her performance, Boohle remained with fans for photographs and interactions, extending the experience beyond the stage and giving attendees moments they would carry long after the music ended.
To close the event, Kotwane Hikwa and Datboifresh delivered a back-to-back set that wrapped up the night in style.
Beyond the music itself, the Boohle VIP Experience highlighted the continued growth of Bulawayo’s entertainment scene. The event successfully brought together emerging talent, established local names and international star power under one roof, creating an experience that felt both polished and deeply connected to the city’s culture.
