Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
From pulsating beats and colourful traditional regalia to sizzling local cuisine and a sea of excited revellers, the 2025 Dzoka Festival lived up to its billing as a vibrant homecoming celebration, stamping its authority as one of Zimbabwe’s most impactful cultural tourism events.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry as a deliberate homecoming tourism platform encouraging Zimbabweans abroad to return home, travel locally during the festive season and engage with heritage, creative industries and investment opportunities, the festival has been described as a tremendous success.
The event, which drew thousands, was held on Thursday at Glamis Arena in Harare, transforming the venue into a buzzing cultural playground that celebrated Zimbabwe’s diversity, creativity and identity.
The festival showcased the Heritage and Culture Cluster, featuring colourful traditional performances, soulful music and dance, complemented by Gastronomy Tourism experiences that brought Zimbabwe’s rich culinary heritage to life through authentic, homely and mouthwatering Zimbabwean dishes prepared in celebration of culture and tradition.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa was among the participants who toured the exhibition stands and interacted with creatives, entrepreneurs and festivalgoers.
According to the ministry, the festival successfully highlighted traditional music, curated heritage and creative exhibitions and Gastronomy Tourism experiences featuring authentic local cuisine.
“Touring the exhibition stands displaying locally made products and wares, the Deputy Minister applauded Zimbabwean creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasising that Culture is a key travel motivator and urging stakeholders to strategically package Zimbabwe’s unique heritage, way of life and creative expression as compelling Tourism products that attract International Tourists while reconnecting Zimbabweans in the Diaspora with their roots,” said the ministry.
Revellers were treated to electrifying performances by various cultural groups and artists including Nisha Ts, Saintflow, DJ Maphorisa, Darkoo, JazzWrld, King98 and Mass Musiq, who kept the crowd on its feet.
The diverse line-up and strong local and regional appeal reinforced Zimbabwe’s vision of leveraging Culture, Heritage and Community experiences as drivers of destination branding, tourist growth and inclusive economic development.
As a flagship homecoming initiative, the Dzoka Festival continues to strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism narrative, positioning the country as a culturally rich, welcoming and dynamic destination while fostering pride, identity and economic opportunities through the creative and heritage sectors.
Bongani Ndlovu