Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari-Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Borrowdale Racecourse was turned into a giant dance floor on Saturday as Zimdancehall stars brought life and energy to the 2026 Castle Tankard horse racing extravaganza, leaving thousands of fans chanting for more long after the final race had ended.
From the moment the DJs dropped the first riddims, the atmosphere shifted into carnival mode, with crowd favourites Jah Master, Madedido and rising chanter Nisha Ts commanding attention with energetic performances that kept fans on their feet throughout the day. Revellers waved flags, sang along word for word and packed the front rows as the artistes traded hit after hit at Zimbabwe’s biggest horse racing and entertainment jamboree.
The Zimdancehall wave once again proved why the genre remains the heartbeat of urban entertainment in Zimbabwe.
Jah Master ignited the audience with his street anthems while Madedido fed off the crowd’s electric response, delivering a polished set that blended dance and crowd interaction. Nisha Ts, one of the few female voices dominating the genre, also drew loud cheers as fans celebrated her confidence and stage command.
Away from the music frenzy, the prestigious Castle Tankard once again delivered thrilling horse racing action mixed with fashion, celebrity appearances and family entertainment.
Veteran sungura musician Alick Macheso headlined the main entertainment line-up alongside fellow music giant Progress Chipfumo, giving the event a cross-generational appeal that attracted both young and older fans.
This year’s edition continued the long-standing tradition of blending sport and entertainment into one glamorous social gathering, with many racegoers arriving dressed to impress in colourful outfits and elegant race-day fashion.
Fans from across Harare and beyond thronged the venue from as early as morning, with food courts, beverage stands and entertainment zones already buzzing before the first race began. One fan, Sharon Moyo from Chitungwiza, said the event had become more than just horse racing.
“Castle Tankard is now our own mini carnival. We come for the races, but the music and atmosphere make it special. The Zimdancehall guys were on fire today,” she said.
Another reveller, Takudzwa Chari, praised organisers for maintaining consistency over the years. “Every year they improve. The young artistes are bringing fresh energy, and people want that vibe. It’s no longer only about betting on horses,” he said. Event organisers said this year’s turnout exceeded expectations, with entertainment continuing to play a major role in attracting diverse audiences to the annual event. A spokesperson for the organisers said the fusion of horse racing and music was helping broaden the appeal of the Castle Tankard.
“We are excited by the response from the public. Castle Tankard has evolved into a full lifestyle event where sport, fashion and entertainment meet. The inclusion of popular musicians ensures that every generation finds something enjoyable at the venue,” said the spokesperson. The races themselves also provided tense moments and excitement for punters who had gathered hoping to strike gold through betting.
The Castle Tankard remains one of the most prestigious horse racing events on Zimbabwe’s sporting calendar and has over the years attracted top horses, trainers and jockeys from across the region.
Beyond the track, social media platforms were flooded with videos and pictures from the event as fans shared dance clips, fashion moments and celebrity sightings.
Many online users applauded the organisers for creating a balanced entertainment package that appealed to different social groups.
Some fashion enthusiasts also used the occasion to showcase glamorous race-day outfits, adding another layer of attraction to the event.
For local artistes, the Castle Tankard platform continues to provide massive exposure, especially for younger Zimdancehall performers eager to solidify their brands in mainstream entertainment circles. Industry observers noted that the inclusion of trending urban musicians reflected how much Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape has changed over the years. What was once viewed as a niche youth genre has now become one of the country’s biggest crowd-pulling forces, capable of carrying major national events.
As the sun set over Borrowdale Race Course, fans were still singing and dancing while others queued for late-night after-party sessions, capping yet another memorable edition of the Castle Tankard. With the successful fusion of horse racing, music and lifestyle entertainment, the event once again cemented its place as one of Zimbabwe’s premier social and sporting experiences.
