Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Marvel House in Bulawayo was a hive of activity on Saturday as DJ and producer Nizhe DeSoul hosted his signature event, Nizhe DeSoul & Friends.
What began as an intimate gathering among friends some years ago has now evolved into one of the city’s most vibrant cultural platforms, merging music, fashion, food, and entrepreneurship under one inclusive banner.
The latest edition of the event drew an eclectic crowd, from music lovers and artistes to families and entrepreneurs, highlighting its growing appeal and the shifting dynamics of Bulawayo’s creative scene.
DJs Liz and Just Drey kicked off the festivities with a pulsating back-to-back set that immediately set the vibe. Their mix of Afro-tech and deep house rhythms primed the audience for what would be an all-day musical journey.
Amapiano powerhouse Datboifresh followed, hyping up the crowd with infectious beats and a magnetic stage presence. MC duties fell to the charismatic Bryce DJ Klasiq, who not only commanded the mic with ease but also took to the decks later with a hypnotic Afro-tech set that kept the energy sky-high.
Hip-hop duo Umlungu Omnyama and Ngu Staffa Lo brought lyrical grit and streetwise flow, contrasting beautifully with the emotional vocal stylings of Boy Nino and Noluntu J. Their performance offered a soulful interlude in the beat-heavy programme.
Later, DJs Sfiso and Crazy Dee had the crowd on its feet with a collaborative Amapiano set, while Ryan Synth wowed with crisp transitions and playful audience engagement, leading to spontaneous dance circles erupting across the venue.
A standout moment came from Kbrizzy, Syd Base, and DaKudu, who gave the audience a sneak preview of their forthcoming album Isgubhu samaTheken. Their debut of the track DaKudu Labangane sparked excitement and anticipation for the release.
But it was the legendary Djembe Monks who truly electrified the night with their signature Afro-house set, fusing traditional percussion with deep house to deliver one of the evening’s most explosive performances.
The emotional pinnacle of the event came with a set from the man behind it all, Nizhe DeSoul. Both curator and headliner, he delivered a performance that embodied the event’s ethos: unity through culture, rhythm, and shared experience.
Nizhe’s motivation, he shared, was deeply personal.
“It was inspired by not being able to go out with my kids or my parents. So I thought, let’s do something inclusive for both the adults and kids,” he said.
“When it started, it was like me chilling with my friends, but now we’ve gotten bigger. I think it only makes sense to create a space where entrepreneurs and creatives can showcase what they have.”
In addition to its sonic offerings, Nizhe DeSoul & Friends provided a platform for local businesses and creatives.
Fashion brand Juluka displayed their signature expressive designs, while The Food Bandits satisfied hungry festival-goers with a variety of gourmet street eats.
The event’s community-driven atmosphere was undeniable. Children danced freely, elders engaged in conversations, and entrepreneurs networked with artistes, all under the same roof. This intentional intergenerational design was a refreshing change from the typical nightlife experience.
The festivities continued into the early hours with an after-party at Cotton, where the celebration showed no signs of slowing down.
derick.khumalo