Mthokozisi Ncube [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S DJ culture will take centre stage at the Upenyu Ezomgido DJ Festival on 31 October, with organisers seeking to give local talent greater exposure while creating a platform for music lovers to celebrate the city’s entertainment scene.
The festival, scheduled for Hippopula, will feature DJs including MadeHerBelieve, DJ Mzoe, Nospa Chekaz, Zulu DHM, Jay, DJ Yayha, DJ Ryan Synth and DJ Chiweddah.
Speaking ahead of the event, AfriLegacy founder and chief executive officer Joseph Madziyire said the festival was designed to reflect Bulawayo’s distinctive musical identity while creating opportunities for home-grown talent.
“Bulawayo has an incredible pool of creative talent, including DJs, musicians, producers, MCs and many other professionals within the entertainment industry. We believe these creatives deserve access to major platforms within their own city, without necessarily having to relocate elsewhere to gain recognition,” he said.
Madziyire said the line-up was selected to bring together performers with different musical styles and audiences, while giving local DJs an opportunity to share the stage and build professional networks.
He said the initiative was also intended to contribute to the growth of the creative economy by opening up opportunities for performers and other people working in the entertainment sector.
The festival forms part of Nyaradzo Group’s 25th anniversary celebrations and its Upenyu initiative, which focuses on celebrating life, recreation and well-being.
Madziyire said the concept was informed by the belief that entertainment and cultural activities were important to people’s quality of life.
“People work incredibly hard, and between family responsibilities, business commitments and the pressures of everyday life, it is easy to forget the importance of recreation, friendship and simply enjoying ourselves,” he said.
The event was initially planned as a broader music experience but was subsequently refined into a dedicated DJ festival at Hippopula.
Madziyire said the adjustment was made to suit the target audience, venue and intended entertainment experience. He added that existing tickets remained valid, while a refund option had been made available to those who required one.
Beyond entertainment, the organisers expect the festival to create business opportunities for transport operators, food vendors, security personnel, production teams and other service providers.
Madziyire said the ambition was to develop Upenyu into an annual event, with the possibility of expanding to other cities, including Harare and Mutare, and eventually reaching Zimbabwean communities in the diaspora.
He said the long-term objective was to create platforms through which emerging creatives could develop their skills, build sustainable careers and access wider audiences.
Early bird VIP tickets have sold out, according to Madziyire, who described the response from entertainment fans and local creatives as encouraging.
General admission tickets start at US$10, with tickets available through SahwiGate, Nyaradzo branches, Hippopula and pop-up booths.
Madziyire said the festival would offer a continuous programme of DJ performances, with music and audience engagement at the centre of the experience.
He urged Bulawayo residents to support local talent and participate in the event.
“We are inviting the people of Bulawayo to come together for an exciting celebration of music, culture, friendship and community,” he said.
The organisers hope the festival will become a regular fixture on Bulawayo’s entertainment calendar, providing a platform for local DJs while bringing music lovers together.
