Private School cements its place on Bulawayo’s social calendar

THERE is a distinct kind of magic that settles over Bulawayo on a Sunday afternoon. This past weekend, that energy found its home at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Pavilion, where the third edition of the Private School event came alive.

If the first two editions were about finding their rhythm, the latest instalment was a confident, assured stride. Organisers delivered a polished showcase that reflected growth, maturity and a clear vision, firmly cementing the event’s place on the city’s social calendar.

For those who have followed the Private School event — a celebration of old school music — the mission has always been clear: to create a space that feels exclusive without being exclusionary. It is where “grown vibes” meet the golden era of sound. This third edition felt like a graduation ceremony for the concept. Its timing was deliberate too, arriving at the tail end of the lovers’ season and offering a refreshing alternative for anyone who found the corporate gloss of Valentine’s Day a bit too restrictive.

Walking into the pavilion, the first impression was the visual intentionality. “Immaculate” is a word used loosely in event reviews, but here it genuinely applied. The décor did not feel like a last minute attempt to warm up a cold hall; instead, the space had been transformed into a sophisticated lounge that invited guests to settle in.

What stood out most, especially to first time attendees, was the social architecture of the seating. Every table was topped with a deck of playing cards — a simple touch that shifted the entire atmosphere. Before the music reached its peak, clusters of attendees were already leaning over games of Crazy Eight or Big Number Out. Strangers became companions. In an era where phones often replace real interaction, seeing people engage in tactile, old school games felt refreshing. It was a perfect mirror to the concept — entertainment that is both nostalgic and social.

The perimeter of the venue was just as vibrant as the dance floor. The organisers clearly understood that a modern event is a lifestyle experience rather than a simple concert. Stalls selling merchandise, tattoo stations for the adventurous — all added colour. But it was the food offerings that had people talking.

As the sun dipped and the “Lovers” theme took centre stage, the music shifted gears. The decks rotated through a line up of talented DJs, including Possenti, DJ Bman, Skiplisy, Morris Touch and Smith on Deck. Yet in the RnB category, DJ Kead emerged as the undeniable star of the night. His instinctive ability to read the room — to know when to play a deep cut for the purists and when to unleash an anthem everyone could sing along to — made his set a masterclass in pacing.

Ras Obi also electrified the crowd with his dancehall set, blending old school classics with dancehall beats — a combination only a select few can successfully deliver.

Then came Sbago in the Kwaito category, and he owned the stage. Performing at an event called “Private School” comes with a certain pressure: precision, polish and soul are non-negotiable. Sbago delivered all three. His performance was not just musical — it was atmospheric. He managed to command the vast pavilion while maintaining the intimacy promised by the “Lovers Edition.”

Ask anyone about the emotional pinnacle of the night and they will likely point to the moment Possenti Sikhosana took the mic. A constant heartbeat of the Private School brand, Possenti has long served as both its architect and anchor. On this night, he used his platform for something deeper.

As the unmistakable pulse of “Sweety Lavo” by Trompies and Oskido filled the hall, Possenti paused to honour the late Babongile Skhonjwa — a towering cultural figure in Bulawayo. Hearing that track in that setting felt like a full circle moment for the city’s entertainment culture.

That spirit of connection continued throughout the evening. In a move that made a large event feel like an intimate gathering, several attendees celebrating birthdays received warm shout outs. It reinforced a central truth: Private School is as much about the people in the crowd as it is about the performers on stage.

Despite the “Lovers Edition” branding, the audience was a diverse blend. Couples danced in dimly lit corners, yes, but groups of friends and solo music lovers were equally present — united more by nostalgia than romance. This inclusivity is what will sustain the Private School brand long after the novelty of themed old skool nights fades. It does not evoke the awkwardness of a school dance; instead, it feels like a high end social club built around a shared love for a specific cultural era.

When the lights finally came up and people began making their way out, the consensus was clear: this was not just a post Valentine’s gathering. It was a reminder that Bulawayo knows how to host sophisticated fun — and do it with unmistakable style.