Strictly Soul tests Bulawayo’s appetite for R&B

R&B and soul music platform Strictly Soul is set to make its Bulawayo debut on September 18, bringing its live music experience to the city as it seeks to expand its audience in Zimbabwe.

The event follows the platform’s launch in Harare in May, after establishing itself in other African markets. Billed to perform are radio host Possenti, Audrey and Nizhe De Soul.

Strictly Soul is built around R&B, soul and timeless music, with a focus on nostalgia, musical discovery and creating a shared experience for music lovers.

The Bulawayo event comes as the city’s entertainment scene continues to diversify, with audiences increasingly exposed to different genres through streaming platforms and social media.

While genres such as Amapiano, hip-hop, house music and local contemporary sounds remain prominent on the live entertainment circuit, dedicated R&B and soul events are relatively uncommon.

Strictly Soul’s organisers will therefore be hoping to establish a strong following in Bulawayo and demonstrate that there is an appetite for specialised music experiences.

Founder and curator Akio Kawahito said the positive response to the Harare launch encouraged the platform to expand to Bulawayo.

“The growth of Strictly Soul has been incredible to witness. Every new city brings us closer to our goal of building a truly continental R&B movement. After the response we received in Harare, bringing Strictly Soul to Bulawayo felt like a natural next step.

“We’re excited to introduce the experience to a new audience and continue building something that people across Africa can call their own,” said Kawahito.

The platform started as an Instagram Live music experience before developing into a live event concept centred on R&B and soul. Its expansion to Bulawayo is part of its broader drive to build communities around the genres and create spaces where audiences can enjoy the music collectively.

For local music lovers, the event will offer an opportunity to experience an R&B-focused gathering outside the more dominant genres on the city’s entertainment calendar.

Strictly Soul is also preparing for an international edition in Berlin, Germany, in October as it continues to expand its footprint.

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