Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE inaugural Teen Fest ZW held on Saturday introduced a new approach to youth entertainment, bringing together music, dance, fashion and interactive activities in a safe, alcohol- and drug-free environment at Borrowdale Race Course in Harare.
Held during the day, the event was designed to give teenagers a space to socialise and enjoy live entertainment while allowing them to return home within set curfew hours.
The festival featured performances from Young Gemini, Jnr Spragga, Atenda Chinx, Runna Rulez, Channelle Makanaka, Sane Wav, Noluntu J and Asaph Afrika, who kept the crowd entertained with a mix of music and dance.
Beyond the performances, attendees took part in activities including sip-and-paint sessions, face painting, mascot appearances, the Coca-Cola Score and Win game, virtual reality games, arts and crafts, and exhibitions.
Event coordinator Tawanda Mutigwa said the festival was created to promote responsible choices among young people while addressing a gap in the entertainment market.
“We are happy that youths had responsible fun without relying on alcohol or drugs as a source of pleasure or a coping mechanism. We realised there was a gap in the market for an entertainment experience specifically designed for teenagers, as most events in Harare and Zimbabwe are centred around alcohol or take place at night.
“As Teen Fest ZW, we decided to fill that gap by creating a daytime experience running from 8am to 6pm, giving children and teenagers a safe environment to have fun while ensuring they can return home in good time. Child safety remains our priority,” he said.
Mutigwa said the turnout demonstrated a strong appetite for youth-focused entertainment, despite several other events taking place in Harare on the same day.
“Despite having about eight competing events taking place at different venues on the same day, Teen Fest ZW still stood out and attracted more than 2 000 teenagers. This is a clear indication that there is a strong appetite for clean fun and safe entertainment, and that teenagers can enjoy themselves without alcohol.”
He said the event also received support from parents and the wider community, with the organisers recording no incidents or accidents.
With its emphasis on daytime entertainment and child safety, Teen Fest ZW could provide a blueprint for more youth-oriented events that balance entertainment with responsible event management. The organisers are now looking towards a second edition in December, building on the response to the inaugural festival. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
