Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu, [email protected]
For decades, major music festivals have largely bypassed Zimbabwe’s rural communities, leaving thousands of music lovers with little choice but to travel to cities in search of live entertainment.
That narrative could soon begin to change. Silobela, a farming and mining community in Kwekwe District, is preparing to host its inaugural Silobela Music Festival on August 14, an event organisers hope will become a permanent fixture on Zimbabwe’s entertainment calendar while placing the district firmly on the country’s cultural map.
Beyond bringing some of the country’s biggest performers to the area, the festival seeks to prove that quality entertainment does not have to be reserved for urban centres and that rural communities deserve the same opportunities to experience live music, showcase local talent and benefit from the economic activity that major events generate.
South African Amapiano sensation Eemoh, best known for the hit Ngishuteni, is billed to headline the event alongside local favourites Insimbi ZeZhwane, award-winning DJ Mzoe, Zimdancehall artiste Uncle Epatan and King Alpha Kadiki.
Supporting acts include DJs Mic Dee, Zetfactor, Fagma, Young Flame and Kuian Mbada, while MC Dave, MC Lloyd and Silobela’s own MC Tha Bee will keep the programme flowing. Local entertainer DJ Kuian Mbada will also represent the host community.
Speaking to Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, festival organiser and On The Rocks Sports Bar proprietor Mike Mlilo said the event was born from a desire to ensure future generations do not miss out on experiences that
were unavailable to his own.
“Growing up in Silobela, we never got to experience musical shows or gigs. For that experience, we had to travel to big cities to get a feel of that kind of vibe. For this event, we decided to choose Silobela because it’s a community with rich culture, talent, and heart, but very few platforms to showcase it.
“Silobela is known for farming and mining, but it also has musicians, dancers, poets, and fans who deserve big events at home. Starting here roots the show in the people it’s meant to celebrate,” Mlilo said.
He believes the festival fills a long-standing gap in Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape, where rural audiences are often overlooked.
“Right now, major concerts skip rural areas and go straight to Gweru, Bulawayo, or Harare. Silobela fans end up travelling far and paying more. This show fills that gap by bringing professional sound, national and local artistes, and a proper festival experience to Silobela. It also gives local talent a stage they don’t normally get.”
The organisers deliberately assembled a line-up designed to appeal to diverse audiences.
“We are aiming for a mix of Zimdancehall, Afro-pop, Sungura, and Amapiano plus traditional Ndebele/Kalanga music. The mix is intentional; we want all in the audience to feel represented. Music unites, so the line-up must speak to everyone in Silobela.”
While established names are expected to draw crowds, Mlilo stressed that creating opportunities for home-grown talent remains one of the festival’s central objectives.
“Local acts will open the show and share the same stage as national acts. This platform is about exposure. We want scouts, media, and fans to discover Silobela talent. For many up-and-coming musicians, this could be their first paid gig, first interview, and first step to a bigger career,” he said.
Rather than being a once-off event, organisers envision the festival evolving into one of the Midlands’ signature annual attractions.
“This is meant to be the first annual Silobela Music Festival. Our goal is to make it a permanent date on the calendar, like Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo or Sanganai/Hlanganani Travel Expo. Over time, we believe it can attract visitors, promote local crafts and food, and position Silobela as a cultural tourism destination in the Midlands.”
Mlilo said fans can expect more than just a music concert.
“Fans can expect a community feel with big-stage quality. Think: professional sound, local food, dance, and a line-up that blends national stars with Silobela’s own. It won’t just be a show; it will be a celebration of Silobela identity.”
Although not specifically designed as a family event, he said organisers have prioritised accessibility and safety.
“We’re targeting young adults, teens, youths and adults. There are affordable tickets, late afternoon start times and security. The overall goal is a safe environment for all people in attendance.”
The festival has been made possible through support from within the community, but organisers are already looking ahead to expanding partnerships.
“The show is possible because of local chiefs, schools, small businesses, and the community. Going forward, we’d love support from corporates, NGOs, the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Zimbabwe Tourism
Authority, and media houses. Sponsorship helps us keep tickets affordable and pay artistes fairly.”
Ultimately, Mlilo hopes the festival will become synonymous with Silobela itself.
“In five years, we want people to say ‘December in Silobela means the Music Festival’. Just like people travel for the Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare, we want people to travel for the Silobela Music Festival as it will be part of the district’s identity.”
