Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo was treated to a refreshing blend of taste and sound as The Mix & The Menu made its stylish return to a local restaurant on Sunday, offering patrons an immersive experience where fine dining met the heartbeat of Afro-house.
This latest edition showed clear growth from the debut held earlier this year. While the launch relied solely on the restaurant’s standard offerings, this round saw concept creator Bryce DJ Klasiq working hand-in-hand with the restaurant’s management team, Mbaki and Chef Dee, to curate a traditional African-themed menu tailored specifically for the event.
“They put together a menu with amangqina, meaty bones, amalusu, trotters with rice, and both white and brown pap. Most of the DJ sets were Afro-house, so the vibe and the food blended perfectly,” Bryce said.
Although the original plan was an outdoor, picnic-style setting, changing weather conditions forced the team to pivot. The quick switch to a lounge-style setup proved to be a blessing in disguise.
“I wanted that garden feel, but the lounge setup still came out nice,” Bryce said.
Supporting DJs Bongz Deeper and Brze kept the atmosphere vibrant, maintaining the balance needed for an event where guests were encouraged to savour both their meals and the music. The menu remained a mystery until the day of the show, adding an exciting surprise element to the experience.
Bryce said the event is a natural fusion of his two passions, music and food.
“I’m a foodie and a DJ. The Mix & The Menu brings together the two things I love, the art of deejaying and food,” he said.
He said the goal behind the event is simple: to show that good food and good music can be enjoyed simultaneously and harmoniously.
As the afternoon drifted into evening, the lounge filled up, plates cleared, and guests moved with an easy, satisfied energy.
According to Bryce, the crowd’s mood shaped his performance perfectly.
“People had to enjoy the mix without choking on their food,” he joked. “I’m happy it worked out that way.”
A standout moment for Bryce came when his friends, Nokuthaba, Shanice, and comedian MaForty, burst into dance.
“They were moving in a way that reminded me of our old days in the church youth group. It took me back,” he said.
