Garden of House returns: Not just a music show

THE first Garden of House (GOH) event of 2026 was more than just a music show; it was a clear reflection of where Bulawayo’s creative culture stands today. On an Easter Sunday afternoon, the city came alive as “Garden Boys” and

“House Girls” gathered at a local arena for what has become a must attend celebration of deep house music and high fashion.

The atmosphere was set long before the first beat dropped. For weeks, social media platforms and street conversations buzzed with anticipation around outfits and the local brands expected to be showcased. When the gates finally opened, expectations were not only met but surpassed. Local designers turned out in full force, presenting craftsmanship and style that reaffirmed Bulawayo’s standing as a fashion capital. From custom headwear to intricately crafted streetwear, the “Garden Boys” and “House Girls” effortlessly transformed the venue into a runway that felt both organic and meticulously curated.

The musical journey began with DJ Stout, who set the tone as the curtain raiser. Tasked with easing early arrivals into the experience, he delivered a smooth, steady groove — engaging enough to spark movement while subtle enough to allow for the socialising and networking that characterise the early hours of GOH.

DJ E30, a student from the Nizhe De Soul Academy, followed with an impressive set that underlined the academy’s growing influence on the local scene. His performance was polished and demonstrated a keen understanding of how to build momentum. It was refreshing to see an emerging DJ confidently hold his own on such a significant stage alongside more established names.

Vanta V Black followed, deepening the sound and further warming the crowd for the evening ahead. As the sun began to dip, a critical moment for any outdoor day event, Zulu DaHouse Maniac took control of the decks with perfect timing. His set captured the magic of Bulawayo’s golden hour, energising dancers while earning nods of appreciation from more composed listeners.

As the sky shifted to shades of orange and purple, energy levels surged and anticipation for the night ahead became unmistakable.

By the time Umlungu Omnyama stepped onto the decks, the atmosphere was primed to explode — and he did not disappoint. His high octane set ignited the crowd instantly, with spontaneous dance circles erupting across the venue, a sure marker of a standout GOH edition.

DJ Skaiva, a name synonymous with quality in Bulawayo, maintained the momentum, expertly reading the crowd and delivering exactly what was required, a skill sharpened through years at the forefront of the local scene.

A dramatic moment then elevated the night further. MC of the day, Bryce DJ Klassiq, renowned for his command of the crowd, called for a total blackout. Phones lit up as the venue plunged briefly into silence and tension. When he introduced the revered DJ AshT, the energy returned in an instant. DJ AshT opened with a Kotwane Hikwa remix of Papaoutai, featuring Terrie T — a perfectly chosen, locally inspired track that brought the crowd into sync from the opening beat.

When Datboifresh took over the decks, the entire “Garden” transformed. While earlier sets laid the foundation for the party, his performance defined it. From the moment he touched the CDJs, it was clear he was not merely playing music — he was making a statement.

While other DJs maintained the flow, Datboifresh commanded the stage with a distinct authority. He read the room instinctively, tapping directly into the crowd’s pulse and driving the energy to levels that felt both raw and controlled.

His set was packed with fire tracks, but it was his delivery that made him the undisputed highlight of the day. At one point, music and movement became perfectly synchronised.

Dance circles widened, and even the most composed attendees surrendered to the rhythm. With personality and flair, he did not just match the night’s energy — he elevated it, leaving an indelible mark on the first Garden of House edition of the year.

Apollo Soule closed out the event — a challenging task, particularly after Datboifresh’s electrifying performance — but he rose to the occasion flawlessly. Blending soulfulness with drive, he kept the Garden’s spirit alive until the final beat. As the last tracks faded, the “Garden Boys” and “House Girls” began drifting from the venue, though the night itself was far from over.

The celebration simply shifted location, with most of the crowd heading to a nearby spot for the after party.

This edition of Garden of House demonstrated that the event has evolved into far more than a party — it is a lifestyle. Local brands, rising academy talent and established legends shared the same space, contributing to a vibrant and unified atmosphere.

Everything was impressive, but above all, the event felt like a true homecoming for Bulawayo’s house music community.