Online Reporter
Sipepisiwe Moyo
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) was more than just a business showcase this year — it turned into a red carpet for Zimbabwean creatives, offering an explosive mix of opportunity, exposure, and elite networking that left local artistes singing its praises!
From fire performances to high-powered collabs, the 65th edition of ZITF proved that the country’s biggest business expo is also the place for serious creatives to level up.
Stars Shine Bright at the Expo
Musicians including Mzoe7, Asaph Afrika, Ma9ine, Kizola, Jeys Marabini, Volts JT, and Sandra Ndebele set the stages alight, while dance groups like the No Name crew and Intombi Zomqangala electrified the crowds. Meanwhile, social media darlings Sipho Mercent Nyathi and Muku Zim 1 kept fans entertained and brands buzzing.
Volts JT, riding high on his star power, had the Econet stand packed to the brim, drawing crowds that proved how entertainment is now a major business magnet.
Asaph: “ZITF Was My Wake-Up Call!”
Local Hip-hop artist Asaph Afrika wasn’t mincing words.
“ZITF was an eye-opener,” he said. “For the first time, I realised how vital it is to connect directly with decision-makers.”
Asaph, who collaborated with the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe on gender equality and environmental campaigns, called it a game-changer.
“It wasn’t just about the music — it was about being part of something bigger. It gave my brand a purpose.”
Ma9ine: “Let’s Get More Byo Talent In!”
Zimdancehall’s Ma9ine echoed the hype but added a local twist.
“This platform is gold for artistes,” he said. “But as a Bulawayo native, I want to see more homegrown talent getting this exposure.”
He added: “ZITF boosts our culture. The more we show up, the more our city wins musically and economically.”
Jeys Marabini: “It’s a Business Festival Too!”
Veteran jazzman Jeys Marabini, who doubled as a traffic safety ambassador at this year’s fair, was all praise.
“It’s not just an expo — it’s a full-on business festival,” he said. “The crowd was amazing, and there was more time for engagement this year.”
He applauded ministries like Sports, Arts and Culture for offering platforms where artistes could plug into key national conversations.
Influencers cash In
Content creators didn’t miss out either.
Influencer Sipho Mercent Nyathi revealed how the event helped grow his brand offline.
“It was surreal meeting followers in person,” he said. “I also got to connect with brands I’ve only engaged with online. ZITF is the perfect place to pitch ideas face-to-face.”
A Creative Goldmine
From top-tier performances to networking with corporate bigwigs and government officials, this year’s ZITF laid bare an indisputable truth: creatives are not just entertainers — they’re economic players.
The fusion of art, influence, and enterprise has never been clearer, and ZITF is quickly cementing itself as the ultimate power playground for anyone with talent and hustle.
If you’re an artiste and you’re not thinking ZITF — you’re sleeping on your biggest break.
