Harris Music Festival earns praise for tight security

“We felt safe for the first time attending such an event with that type of security,” said one attendee, summing up the general mood at the Harris Music Festival held over the weekend at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo.

With a precast wall at Queens Sports Stadium previously damaged by crowds during the Bulawayo Shutdown gig two years ago, organisers of the now-rebranded Harris Music Festival took lessons from the past and significantly strengthened security arrangements.

This year’s edition, featuring top acts such as Winky D, Kamo Mphela, Makhadzi, Mthandeni SK, Scotts Maphuma and several local DJs, drew a large crowd and showcased a mix of dancehall, Afro-pop, Amapiano and traditional sounds.

From the entrance, organisers implemented a structured system with separate gates for vehicles and pedestrians, helping to ease congestion and streamline entry. Once inside, attendees were met by a visible security presence, including Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and members of the national army, which helped create a sense of order and safety throughout the venue.

Security dogs were also deployed as part of patrol teams, further reinforcing crowd control measures. VIP and VVIP guests were attended to by dedicated ushers, ensuring a more structured and premium experience in the designated areas.

“The security was well done. We felt safe throughout the event,” another attendee said, praising the improved arrangements.

Despite the overall positive feedback, some attendees felt certain aspects of security management needed refinement, particularly during entry procedures. They highlighted delays and confusion during the exchange of tickets for wristbands at entry points, which led to congestion.

“There was a lot of confusion when we were exchanging tickets for tags. Organisers need to do something about that,” noted another attendee.

Concerns were also raised about pricing at food and beverage stalls, with some patrons saying drinks were expensive and whisky options limited in the general section. In addition, some attendees felt the VIP and VVIP sections were oversubscribed, while others questioned the practice of renting out chairs within premium areas given the cost of entry.

Despite these issues, the festival was widely regarded as a success, with calls for future editions to be hosted at a larger venue. Many fans also expressed hopes of seeing Makhadzi return to the stage, citing her electrifying performance as one of the highlights of the night.