Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Garden of House once again proved why it has grown into Bulawayo’s most anticipated lifestyle and house music event, delivering an unforgettable All-White edition that brought together music lovers, creatives and party-goers from across the city and beyond.
Held on Christmas Eve at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre arena, the event was a celebration of sound, fashion and culture, with revellers dressed to impress in elegant white outfits that added a striking visual appeal and festive atmosphere to the occasion.
Since its establishment in Bulawayo, Garden of House has steadily built a reputation as more than just a music event. It has evolved into a platform that celebrates house music culture while creating space for both local and international artistes to share the stage and connect with diverse audiences. This edition continued that tradition.
The festivities kicked off with DJ and producer Andrean Snow, who opened the event with a calm, smooth set that perfectly suited the early hours of the day. His track selection gently eased the crowd into the experience, setting a relaxed tone while allowing patrons to settle into the venue and take in the atmosphere.
Following him in the early afternoon was DJ Mufali, who carried the momentum forward with a well-balanced set that gradually lifted the energy without rushing the mood. Veteran DJ Sbago then took over the decks and pushed the sound further, warming up the crowd and preparing them for the performances that were to follow.
As the day progressed, the mood shifted noticeably when percussion outfit Asante Mo took to the stage. Their performance stood out as one of the most unique moments of the event, as they seamlessly fused house music with traditional African instruments and dance.
The combination of live percussion and electronic beats added cultural depth to the experience, reminding the audience of the roots that continue to influence contemporary house music.
Their set marked a clear transition from daytime grooves to a more vibrant and interactive atmosphere, drawing strong engagement from the crowd.
South Africa-based DJ and producer 8Nine Muzique followed with a powerful set that had the audience on their feet.
His performance injected fresh energy into the arena, drawing loud reactions as he delivered a well-curated selection that kept people dancing.
The excitement continued when Terrie T took over the decks and surprised the audience with a special performance featuring MJ Sings, the 2025 Bulawayo Arts Awards winner for Outstanding Kwaito/Gqom/Piano Act. MJ Sings performed his hit song Asibe Mnandi, a moment that resonated strongly with the crowd as many sang along.
Another major highlight of the event was the performance by South African act Argento Dust, who delivered a set packed with fan favourites. His hit song Asanda, featuring house music pioneers Kususa and Zakes Bantwini, was well received as the audience sang along word for word. The connection between the artiste and the crowd was evident, showcasing Bulawayo’s growing appreciation for Afro-house music.
After his set, Argento Dust expressed his admiration for the city’s energy, saying: “Bulawayo people know how to party, even the rains were not able to stop them.”
As night fell, Bulawayo’s Nitefreak took to the stage and delivered an exceptional performance that highlighted his rising influence in the house music scene. Performing tracks from his discography, he received strong support from the home crowd, further cementing his place as one of the city’s standout artistes.
South African act Lebza the Villain also added his own flavour to the event, bringing a distinctive sound that complemented the diverse line-up and kept the energy consistent with hit after hit.
DJ Ash T later took over and brought the house down with a performance that reflected his years of experience and passion for the craft. His set maintained high energy levels and kept the crowd fully engaged well into the evening.
As light rain began to drizzle, it did little to slow the momentum of the event. Instead, the rain became part of the experience, with revellers pulling out umbrellas and continuing to dance. The weather failed to disrupt either the performances or the mood.
Adding to the excitement was an unexpected appearance by Kotwane Hikwa, the 2025 Bulawayo Arts Awards winner for Outstanding Club DJ, alongside Nizhe De Soul.
Neither had been part of the official line-up, but their brief sets were met with loud cheers and enthusiasm from the crowd, making them some of the most memorable surprise moments of the night.
Garden of House has continued to grow steadily since its debut in 2022, expanding beyond Bulawayo to other cities while maintaining its original identity. Its success lies in its ability to merge music, lifestyle and community into a single experience.
