Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
For a long time, the music conversation in Zimbabwe has been shaped in the capital city, with Harare traditionally seen as the epicentre of mainstream recognition, media attention and industry opportunities.
Yet, a quiet but powerful shift is happening: Bulawayo’s new generation of musicians is no longer waiting for the spotlight to come to them, they are taking their art to the heart of the action.
And with every performance beyond their home turf, they are rewriting the script on what it means to build a national brand.
At the recent Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare, three of Bulawayo’s young talents, Noluntu J, Msiz’kay and Kyla Blac, took to the stage and left audiences captivated. Their performances were more than entertainment; they were acts of strategic visibility — opportunities to expand their reach, grow their fan base and stake their claim in new markets.
“It’s about showing up. Performing at events like this builds visibility. I’m not just showing up as a musician, I’m showing up as a creative brand that merges music, fashion and storytelling. Every show helps me connect with more people, and that’s how the brand keeps expanding,” said Kyla Blac, whose genre-bending sound and distinct stage presence have made her one of Bulawayo’s most-watched rising stars.
Performing outside Bulawayo is not just about exposure for these artiste, it is also about growth. The capital city, with its larger venues, broader audiences, and access to industry players, provides a litmus test for how far an artiste’s sound can travel. It also offers crucial networking opportunities with promoters, media, collaborators and brands.
For Msiz’kay, whose Afro-fusion style has earned him a dedicated following, the Harare stage was an important reality check.
“My biggest takeaway is that good music and good performance know no language barriers. The crowd responded so well that I felt right at home. It’s been a while since I last performed in Harare, but I realised my music is reaching people through radio, print and social media. I now need to make more appearances here to grow my brand,” he said.
His comments underline a key reality for many artistes from outside the capital: no matter how strong their home support is, visibility in Harare and beyond, often acts as the springboard for national and regional recognition.
For Noluntu J, performing in Harare is not just about expanding her fan base, it is about stepping into new creative spaces that challenge and inspire her.
“It was a wonderful experience. I met a lot of people, and everyone I worked with was welcoming and patient. The stage had such a beautiful feel. This event was another great platform to grow my brand in the capital city, and I’m looking forward to more opportunities,” she said.
The singer-songwriter’s remarks speak to a growing mindset among Bulawayo artistes: one that sees live performances not just as gigs, but as deliberate career-building strategies. By consistently appearing in new cities, they’re broadening their audience base, proving their versatility, and showing promoters they can command stages beyond their hometown.
The growing presence of Bulawayo talent on national stages also helps shift perceptions about Zimbabwe’s creative landscape. The City of Kings and Queens is producing acts who are just as capable of headlining major festivals, collaborating with established names and capturing national headlines.
Kyla Blac believes the Jacaranda Music Festival experience was proof of this evolution.
“The lineup had amazing talent and the audience showed real love for all genres. It reminded me that our music scene is growing and that there’s space for all of us to shine,” she said. — @mthabisi_mthire
