Online ReporterLiberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AS 2025 edges towards its close, music fanatics in Mutare are starting to wonder whether the city will host one more big show before the curtain falls on what has been an electrifying year for entertainment.
Traditionally, Mutare has never let the year-end quietly.
The city, known for its vibrant crowds and love for live performances, often shuts down the calendar with a high-profile concert that brings together big names and even bigger energy.
But this year, the script seems different.
So far, there are no confirmed signs of a major year-end gig, and the local entertainment circuit, once buzzing with weekly shows, especially in summer, has fallen noticeably silent in recent weeks.
Promoters and artistes alike seem to have taken a breather, perhaps regrouping for 2026, or simply recovering from a packed musical calendar that saw some of Zimbabwe’s biggest stars grace the eastern border city.
If 2025 was anything, it was eventful.
The year began on a high note, setting a precedent for what became one of Mutare’s busiest entertainment years in recent memory.
Winky D, the Gafa himself, was among the top crowd-pullers — not once, but twice he lit up Mutare with his commanding stage presence, lyrical power and socially conscious anthems.
His performances at Manicaland Motoring Club and Mutare Showgrounds left fans talking for weeks, proving yet again why he remains the people’s champion.
Following closely behind was Jah Prayzah, who made his own triumphant appearance, serenading fans with songs from his latest album.
Known for blending traditional sound with modern Afro-fusion, JP’s show at Mutare Showgrounds was one of those rare moments where generations met on the dance floor — from old-school music lovers to Gen Z partygoers.
Baba Harare, the energetic jiti maestro, also made his mark earlier in the year.
His electric performances at Osborne Dam turned Mutare into one big dance floor, as fans sang along to hits like “Prove Them Wrong” and “Nairobi Mombasa”.
The city also had the pleasure of hosting Feli Nandi, whose sultry voice and soulful performances captivated audiences and reminded many that musical artistry still thrives amid the noise of the industry. Her Mutare performance was intimate, emotional, and beautifully crafted.
Freeman HKD, Leonard Zhakata, and Sulumani Chimbetu also took turns thrilling the Mutare faithful.
In fact, Sulumani was in the city several times, bringing his signature dendera rhythms and danceable grooves that always find favour with the mature crowd.
His consistency in performing in Mutare has made him a fan favourite, and many still hope he will be the one to host the much-anticipated year-end bash — if it happens.
Other acts like Oriyano, Nisha Ts, ExQ, Killer T, Jeys Marabini and even Juicer Mpostori also found their way to Mutare stages, each adding colour and diversity to the city’s 2025 entertainment diary.
From Zimdancehall to sungura, Afro-soul to gospel, Mutare had it all this year — a perfect reflection of Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving musical landscape.
Yet, for all the activity, the city now finds itself in a quiet lull.
Promoters have not announced any headline events and rumours of a possible crossover gig remain just that — rumours.
Some insiders in the entertainment fraternity suggest that financial constraints, rising logistics costs and the competitive nature of the entertainment industry have made it difficult to organise large-scale events outside Harare and Bulawayo.
Still, optimism lingers.
Mutare’s nightlife culture has a history of surprise announcements, with big shows often revealed just weeks — or even days — before the event.
Music fans remain hopeful that, true to tradition, the year will not curtain down without a signature concert to celebrate what has been a stellar season for live music.
For now, the microphones are quiet, the posters have stopped going up, and the city waits, patiently but eagerly, for the next beat to drop.
