Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
IN a year packed with musical fireworks, dance filled nights, and unforgettable lineups in Mutare, Castle Lager’s Braai Festival held at Madziro Leisure Centre last Saturday emerged as one of the most talked about and well attended events in the Eastern border city.
The festival did not just bring the heat, it brought the entire city together and turned spectators into a sea of celebration.
Thousands showed up, creating an electric atmosphere that has not been seen in the city for a while.
Social media buzzed with videos, photos, and testimonials from attendees who were still raving days after the last beat dropped and the last firewood turned to ash.
What made this show such a standout?
While Mutare has played host to several major events this year — including Winky D’s sold out show at Manicaland Motoring Club, the Mutare Lockdown Festival featuring Nkosazana Daughter, Alick Macheso, and Freeman, and even the unforgettable Jah Prayzah’s performance of sing along songs such as, Ruzhowa, Sorry and Necessary at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals, the Castle Lager Braai Festival brought up a community spirit.
The crowd was not just big, and diverse.
There is something about braai culture that connects people.
And when one adds a star-studded musical lineup, professional sound, local DJs, and a venue as spacious and accommodating, an event will be memorable.
The stage was lit — quite literally.
The lighting and the sound was top notch with performances from dancehall icons, Killer T and ExQ, DJ Tamuka performing together on one stage, brought down the house.
Their joint hit “Vanoreva Nhema” sent the crowd into a frenzy, while solo sets had everyone dancing and singing along word for word.
The venue truly outdid itself by scaling up to handle a crowd of this magnitude. The open-air layout, coupled with proper braai setups and drink stations, helped create an experience that felt well thought out and community driven.
But was the event flawless?
Of course, no event of this size goes off without a few bleeps.
The biggest concern of the day was the stampede at the entrance, which caused concern among early attendees. There is surely room for improvements.
With such a high turnout and excitement levels through the roof, the gates could not quite handle the pressure at peak entry times.
Security personnel had to act swiftly to avoid injuries, and though the situation was momentarily tense, it was eventually brought under control. Fortunately, once inside, the fun never stopped.
People grilled their meat, danced until their shoes gave in, and clinked Castle Lager bottles in celebration. Smiles, selfies, and shared meals painted a picture of unity that few events manage to capture.
However, while Castle Lager Braai Festival may have stolen the spotlight, it will be unfair to dismiss the impact of other big events that shaped Mutare’s entertainment scene this year.
Winky D’s sold out gig held in September at Manicaland Motoring Club reminded people of the power of social commentary through music. His ability to fill a venue to the brim with fans from all walks of life proved his legendary status remains unmatched.
The Mutare Lockdown Festival, on the other hand, marked a key moment in cultural exchange, with Nkosazana Daughter giving local fans their first live taste of South African Amapiano magic, alongside homegrown giants, Macheso and Freeman. And who could forget Jah Prayzah’s elegant showcase at the Showgrounds
Still, the festival managed to combine music, food, drink and people in a way that made the experience feel almost spiritual. As the year draws to a close, many will look back at this festival, not only for the music or the meat, but for how it made them feel — part of something big, joyful, and beautifully chaotic.
It is safe to say; Castle Lager Braai Festival might just be Mutare’s event of the year. Or maybe another high profile show is on the cards.
