Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AFTER a slow and somewhat uninspiring start to the year, Mutare’s entertainment scene is finally showing signs of life, with a major show on the horizon expected to reignite the city’s cultural pulse.
For months, the eastern border city has struggled to maintain a consistent flow of high-profile events, with most venues relying heavily on resident DJs to keep nightlife afloat.
While pockets of activity have emerged, the absence of bold, creative promoters willing to invest in big-name artistes has been noticeable.
So far this year, Mutare has hosted a handful of notable events.
Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso headlined the Doek and Slay event, while the Cheso Boys brought life to the Manicaland Motoring Club.
Baba Harare also made an appearance at the Zimpapers Ladies Wind Down in Vumba, with Apama performing at Fourth Street Lounge.
Progress Chipfumo also staged a show at Mandela Leisure Centre.
Despite these efforts, the city has largely depended on promoters from outside Mutare to bring in headline acts, which is a trend that continues to raise concern among local entertainment stakeholders.
Music, as a unifying force, has always drawn crowds, but the lack of consistency has left many fun lovers yearning for more.
However, there is renewed hope on the horizon.
Mutare is set to host its first-ever festival featuring some of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after artistes — Freeman, Nisha Ts, Nyasha Davids and Hulungende at Madziro Stop Over along the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway on April 25.
This will be the first time the four artistes share the same stage in Mutare, performing on one platform in what is already being billed as a potentially game-changing event.
With the first quarter of the year nearly gone, the timing of the festival could not be more crucial.
The show signals a possible shift in the city’s entertainment dynamics, marking a move from a quiet, DJ-driven scene to one that embraces live performances and large-scale events. Industry observers believe that such initiatives are key to reviving Mutare’s status as a vibrant entertainment hub.
More importantly, they restore confidence among revellers and artistes alike.
There is also a growing sentiment that Mutare has the audience and appetite for big shows — what has been missing is consistent investment and risk-taking from local promoters.
The upcoming festival could serve as proof that the market is ready and capable of sustaining such events.
Show promoter, Obey Chidzambwa, weighed in on the developments: “Mutare has always had the potential to be one of the country’s leading entertainment hubs, but what has been lacking is consistency and boldness from promoters. Events of this magnitude are long overdue because they, not only attract crowds, but also inspire confidence in the industry.
“What we are seeing now is a possible turning point. Bringing artistes like Freeman, Nisha Ts, Nyasha Davids and Hulungende onto one stage is a strong statement that Mutare is ready to compete with other cities. However, it should not end here as there is need for continuity. If local promoters can build on this momentum and start organising more high-profile shows, the city can reclaim its vibrancy. The audience is there, the talent is there and what remains is strategic planning and investment. This festival must be the beginning of something bigger, not just a once-off event,” he said.
