Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
THE winter chill did little to deter music lovers who gathered at Hartsfield Tshisanyama in Bulawayo on Saturday for the Zambezi Lager Bonfire Festival micro event, where roaring flames and pulsating music turned a freezing night into a vibrant celebration.
As temperatures dropped, the festival’s signature bonfires became more than just a visual centrepiece – they offered warmth and a gathering point for revellers who settled in for an evening of entertainment under the open sky.
What could have been a quiet winter night quickly transformed into a lively musical experience as local DJs took turns shaping the atmosphere.
Classic Matrix opened the night with a smooth set that gently eased the crowd into the event before DJ Zeb kept the energy steady, ensuring the early chill did not dampen spirits. Mufali later stole the spotlight with a nostalgic Kwaito set that transported revellers back to the genre’s golden era. The familiar sounds sparked spontaneous dance circles around the bonfires, with attendees singing along and moving in rhythm as they warmed themselves by the flames.
The momentum continued to build when Kotwane Hikwa stepped behind the decks, delivering an energetic set that drew even more people onto the dance floor. By this stage, the cold had become secondary to the music, with the crowd fully immersed in the experience.
Adding a unique flavour to the night was percussionist Wowrae, whose captivating live drumming infused the event with raw rhythm and intensity. His performance blended seamlessly with the outdoor setting, keeping the audience engaged well into the evening.
Although the weather conditions were far from ideal, the combination of music, and firelight ensured the event remained unforgettable.
The Bulawayo edition followed earlier stops in Kadoma at Odyssey Lodge on June 13, with Harare next on the calendar at The Jam Tree on June 27. The flagship Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire Festival will then return after a four-year hiatus, set for Donnybrook Park in Harare on July 4.
Speaking on the return of the festival, organisers Delta Beverages said the event continues to grow as a cultural experience.
“The Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire Festival has always been more than just an event; it is a unique lifestyle and cultural experience made for our Zambezians. It brings us together to enjoy Zambezi Lager and celebrate the great outdoors, music and storytelling, while building connections around the warmth of one large, unifying bonfire.
“We are excited, and preparations are well underway to bring back Zimbabwe’s Own Bonfire, the ultimate winter celebration,” the organisers said.
