Peter Tanyanyiwa
Arts Correspondent
The highly anticipated Madirirano event, which is dubbed, “The Biggest Street Festival of the Year,” is set to make a grand return on April 19, at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield.
This year’s festival holds special significance as it coincides with Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations, promising a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Last held in December 2021, Madirirano has a rich history of bringing together diverse communities to celebrate Zimbabwean culture. The last edition saw thousands of attendees enjoying performances from a range of local artists, delicious food stalls, and a lively marketplace.
After a hiatus, the festival is returning with even more excitement and a commitment to showcasing the best of Zimbabwean talent and heritage.
Organized by BodySlam in collaboration with Chipaz Promotions, Madirirano will feature an impressive lineup of performances from top artists, including Killer T & Hot Property Band, Freeman & HKD Band, King Shaddy, Madedido, Ksg di Don (Cappa), Young Gemini, and Noluntu J (Byo). The festival will be hosted by Selekta Base and Chadbezel, with additional entertainment provided by Chillspot, Kingher, DJ Koasta, Andile Brown, Etherton, Templeman, and Fyah Lynx (Zim).
One of the hosts, Selekta Base expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange and community engagement. “Madirirano is not just about music; it’s a celebration of our rich heritage and culinary diversity. We invite food and culture lovers to converge and immerse themselves in the vibrant experiences we have planned. There will be more happening than ever before, and we can’t wait to share this with everyone,” he said.
Businessman Simbarashe Chakare, one of the organizers from BodySlam, also shared his enthusiasm for the festival.
“Madirirano is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our culture and unity. We are proud to collaborate with Chipaz Promotions to bring this festival back to life and to connect people through music and joy during our Independence celebrations,” said Chakare.
The festival will kick off in the afternoon and continue into the evening, ensuring a full day of entertainment for attendees. With a variety of performances, food vendors, and cultural showcases, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cooler boxes before 5 PM to enjoy refreshments throughout the day.
The event is powered by surge energy drink and pacific.
In addition to the musical acts, Madirirano will feature a variety of food stalls showcasing traditional Zimbabwean cuisine as well as international dishes. This year, festival organizers are keen on promoting local artisans, providing them a platform to display their culinary talents.
The festival will not only be a feast for the ears but also for the taste buds, offering attendees a chance to indulge in a diverse range of flavours.



