Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HIP HOP enthusiasts are in for a treat as they usher in a new month in style with the “Bigger Than Hip Hop Pop-Up Party”, set to take place at the newly refurbished BAC Leisure Centre in Bulawayo from 6PM until late, on August 1. And the cherry on top? Entry is absolutely free.
According to organiser Beki Masuku, preparations are well underway, with surprise performances planned as part of the movement’s mission to revive, promote, and grow hip hop culture in the city.
Speaking ahead of the event, hip hop artiste POY (Nicholas Muchinguri) described the upcoming show as more than just entertainment — a strategic relaunch of a brand that has helped shape Bulawayo’s hip hop scene over the years.
“The upcoming Bigger Than Hip Hop Pop-Up Party, marks the relaunch of a brand that has long served as a major platform for hip hop culture in the city. Its impact was recognised when it won Best Platform Promoting Hip Hop at the Zimbabwean Hip Hop Awards in its earlier years,” said POY.
He traced the platform’s origins to its early days at Amakhosi Theatre in Makokoba, where the late Cont Mhlanga generously provided space for local youth to express themselves creatively.
“Bigger Than Hip Hop isn’t about mimicking international trends of rap beefs and controversy. It’s about culture — how we live, how we express ourselves, and how we build together,” he said.
He added that the event is grounded in the ethos of “Each One Teaches One” — a principle that encourages knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, among artistes.
Established to give hip hop artistes and enthusiasts an opportunity to sharpen their skills, network and create business opportunities, the Bigger Than Hip Hop platform has long connected creatives with corporates, opening doors for product endorsements, advertising services and professional growth.
Its original base was the Amakhosi Theatre, which provided urban inner-city youth — particularly in Makokoba — a home to nurture their craft. Artistes such as AWA, Mzoe7, Asaph, and UpperKlass honed their talent through this platform, while DJs like The Timeless DJ Mark Vusani helped anchor the movement from behind the decks.
Today, with strong support from Ambush Entertainment, DJ TMoney and partners such as BAC Leisure, the platform is experiencing a renaissance — one that is fuelling a new era of hip hop in the city.
The showcase has contributed to the rapid growth of the genre in Bulawayo, with new artistes emerging daily. Through partnerships with other city-based hip hop movements — including Hip Hop Power Fest, For The City, No Heeps and Wreckersvale — the movement is expanding its reach and impact.
“Our hope for this event is to bring together seasoned and emerging artistes to network with corporate entities and businesses, and to engage with fans and hip hop lovers,” said POY.
The line-up features a diverse range of acts: Spinx, Asaph, BlackForever, Lynden, Regina, Ashie KiddKir, C.J., Tellem, The Whinquins, Brintz, Curtis Dee, Rovar, and more. The decks will be blazing with The Timeless DJ, DJ Sweeto and DJ TMoney steering the after-party.
POY also teased a surprise appearance by South Africa-based artiste Joie Le Feu, who will debut his new track, Never Ending, featuring South African hip hop artiste, J Molley.
“Fans can also look forward to collaborative performances, with different artistes sharing the stage for the first time,” he said.
Hosting duties will be handled by MC Dee Moses, with DJs Mark Vusani, Money, Sweeto, SG King, Humble, and Moyoxide International also joining the party.
The platform has secured support from major media partners, including 22hundrelive and AMPstreet Media, which POY described as a significant win for the movement.
“Our ultimate goal is to grow this into a full-scale Bigger Than Hip Hop Festival — one that will rival, or even surpass, established national festivals like Shoko in Harare,” said POY.
