Bulawayo’s must-attend celebration of classic sounds, vibrant vibes

IN what has become a must-attend event for the mature crowd in Bulawayo, the latest edition of Private School, dedicated exclusively to old-school music, was successfully held this past Sunday.

Returning to its former venue, the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, this third edition transported attendees back in time with soul, RnB, Afro, reggae, hip-hop classics and urban grooves.

Throughout the day, patrons were entertained by DJs Eugy, Ras Obi, Possenti Sikosana, Feel G, and Bryce, each bringing a unique vibe to the event with their varied sets.

Later in the day, crowd favourite DJ Nospa elevated the party atmosphere by hyping up the tracks of other DJs and entertaining patrons with his dance moves. His energetic enthusiasm helped get everyone into the party mood, perfectly setting the stage for his own performance.

The event showcased the enduring popularity of urban grooves, with attendees on their feet, singing along to every track as DJ Nospa Chekaz took to the decks. He kicked off his set with hits like ExQ’s Mazirudo, Mafriq’s Chizevezeve, and Dino Mudondo’s Chirangano Chedu. The atmosphere transformed into a lively karaoke session, allowing newcomers to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

At the previous edition, Nospa had also energised the crowd with his urban grooves, solidifying his status as the toast of the show.

The event served as a unifier, bringing people together to perform dance routines to hits like Mafikizolo’s Ndihamba Nawe.

The ambiance was perfect – relaxing and orderly – complementing the event beautifully. Attendees arrived dressed to impress, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of an international concert. Much like the “Picnic and Chill” event held in the city, Private School offered a secure environment for guests, ensuring the safety of their belongings despite the sizeable crowd.

In keeping with tradition, packs of playing cards were placed on all tables, providing entertainment that turned the event into an impromptu date night for many. While high temperatures threatened to dampen the mood, attendees remained undeterred, fanning themselves until the heat subsided later in the day. Organisers placed several fans around the venue, although they struggled to keep up with the warmth. Fortunately, the early DJs kept their sets mellow; had they opted for an up-tempo vibe, many might have needed medical attention from excessive dancing in the heat.

One patron expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “This is one of my key events that I don’t miss for anything.

The environment is ideal for my friends and me as it is relaxing and perfect for a Sunday outing.”

Following the successful hosting of Private School, Bulawayo is gearing up for another night of nostalgia as the Old School Gig takes centre stage at The Place next Friday. This event promises to bring back the magic of yesteryear, featuring legendary DJs Otis Fraser and Kimble Rogers headlining the line-up along with Joe Tha OG, Emity Smooth and DJ CP.