Zimfest 2025 wasn’t just an event it was a homecoming. A celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the vibrant spirit that binds us together as Zimbabweans, no matter where in the world we find ourselves that +263 Dzimba-dzemabwe pride.
By Tawanda Kajawu (NB: the article was written in English with parts in Shona)
From the moment you stepped onto the festival grounds, you could feel it in the air, the laughter, the music, the smell of sadza and nyama on the braai, the colourful fabrics, and the unmistakable sound of Shona, Ndebele, and English blending in joyful harmony. This wasn’t just a festival. It was a reminder of home, a piece of home from everyone’s heart conjoined to create that one big Teapot country for just a few hours.
Zimfest 2025 – From Agric Show Nostalgia to Folded Chair Realities Ah, Zimfest 2025… if you closed your eyes for a moment, you’d swear you were back at the Agric Show in Harare minus the dusty boots, the clowns and Water Whirled slides, of course. The vibe was simmad, the laughter was loud, and the blend of vernacular, familiar faces, and good old-fashioned fun was enough to make your heart do a little extra pumping. Zvimwe ndeZvimwe you guys looked great, Old school crew were dressed to impress. Talk about decent and classy. But let’s be honest—we’re not the cool kids anymore. The evidence? Folded chairs. Everywhere. The scenario looked like a family reunion picnic, while the Amapiano stage was packed with energetic youth dancing like their knees had never met a rainy day.
Ko isu? We were sipping part water, part alcohol, adjusting lumbar support, and asking each other, “Tikarasana tosangana paBlack tent?” And that’s okay. Because youthfulness is a gift it brings beauty, strength, and rhythm. But it also vanishes quietly, without even saying goodbye. One day you’re vibing at the front, the next you’re Googling “best folding chair for lower back support.”
Nonetheless, every stage of life is a blessing. We may not be the ones jumping at Signal’s set, but we’re the ones clapping the loudest when our kids do. It was also a joy to mix and mingle with socialites and celebrities no airs, no drama. This time around, takura hakuchina kuvhairirana Just good vibes, selfies, and shared laughter. We were all just Zimbos, enjoying the moment, celebrating each other. Zimfest 2025: Where the Beat Met the Soul If you weren’t there, you missed a musical awakening. The energy? Electric. The vibe? Unmatched. The music? A spiritual experience.
From the moment the gates opened, the Amapiano Republik Stage was already pulsing with life. Talk about young Stunna,’s musical brilliance And when Maphorisa stepped up it was game over. The man remains undefeated, a true maestro of the decks. Young and old alike surrendered to the rhythm, bodies moving in sync, hearts beating to the same bassline. It wasn’t just music—it was a movement. But that was just the beginning. The Main Stage? A whole other universe. It kicked off with a nostalgic bang—TP Nyekese’s “Ndochi” transported the crowd straight back to the 80s. You could see the Rumba grannies light up, hips swaying like they never missed a beat. And then came the anthem of the moment “Manhanga maTete todye maruva!” The crowd erupted. It was joy. It was madness. It was Zimfest.
Then came Oriyano new to the scene, but performing like a seasoned legend. His stage presence? Magnetic. His delivery? Flawless. And just when we thought we’d caught our breath, Vimbai Zimuto stepped in with a cheeky tease that had the crowd gasping maihwee kani! Thank you, Sis Vimbai, for reminding us that art is also about boldness. Nisha T, the much-hyped new kid only the block, did not disappoint. Her performance was sterling, and when “Admire Kadembo” dropped? The entire field turned into a choir. That song is no longer just a hit it’s an anthem. Then came Signal the High Jumper and true to his capativating performance, he had us all leaping like we were back in high school PE. The energy was contagious. And SaintFloew, back for his second Zimfest appearance, proved once again why he’s a true icon. Every lyric, every beat, every moment pure magic. And then… the Gaffa. The man of the hour. Despite not feeling his best, he gave a heartfelt, powerful performance that left the crowd in awe. That’s what legends do they show up, they deliver, they leave a mark. He just had a GAFFA sing along, only legends can orchestrate such.
What’s Next? If there’s one thing we’d love to see in 2026, it’s more legends, more live bands, and a deeper dive into our roots. Bring back the Jit, the Sungura, the Mbira, the traditional dance. Let the music not only entertain but educate and preserve. Because at the end of the day, music is not just the heartbeat of Zimfest it’s the heartbeat of Zimbabwe. With the Zimbabwean community in the UK growing stronger each year, Zimfest has become more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a must-attend, right up there with Easter, Christmas, and bank holidays. People travelled from every corner of the UK and beyond, im talking of South Africa, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the USA, France you name it. The global Zim diaspora showed up in full force, and the turnout was nothing short of phenomenal.
Over 12,000 people gathered to celebrate our culture, our cuisine, our music, and most importantly, each other. That number alone speaks volumes about the love and pride we carry for our roots. A massive shout-out goes to the organising team maita basa! Pulling off an event of this scale is no small feat, and you did it with heart. Of course, no event is perfect. There were a few hiccups—parking challenges, long queues for food and drinks, and limited access to drinking water. But let’s be honest, these are growing pains. The kind that come with something that’s getting bigger and better every year. And knowing the passion behind this team, we trust they’re already working on making Zimfest 2026 even smoother. Zimfest is more than just a day out—it’s a celebration of identity. It’s where our children learn the dances we grew up with, where we reconnect with old friends, and where we remind ourselves that being Zimbo is something to be proud of.
So, to everyone who came, danced, ate, laughed, and celebrated—thank you. You made Zimfest 2025 unforgettable. And to those who missed it—tanga kugadzira, next year Kune zvihombe-hombe zvakamirira! To truly grasp the depth of what Zimfest 2025 has become, we must approach it with open hearts—free from judgment, yet willing to critically reflect. This year’s edition stirred emotions, sparked conversations, and revealed the beautiful complexity of who we are today as Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
Zimfest is no longer the small, intimate gathering it was two decades ago when Kaz was championing the Urban Grooves movement, making us dance and cry with nostalgia. It has evolved. It has grown. It is now an international celebration of Zimbabwean identity, love, and unity. Within the crowd were people from all walks of life—those who have found family, love, and belonging in the warmth of the Zimbo spirit. We now have Zim-Jamaicans, Zim-Nigerians, Zim-Germans, Zim-Brits, and more. Truly, hapana kusina muZimba. But with growth comes new challenges. One of the most talked-about issues this year was the attire particularly the revealing skirts and shorts seen at the festival. For many, this was unsettling. In our culture, the body—especially that of the woman—is held in high esteem. The African woman is a queen, a mother of nations, and traditionally, her dignity is reflected in how she presents herself. This is not about shaming—it’s about remembering who we are. Let’s be clear: having a British passport, marrying outside your nationality, or living abroad for decades does not erase our cultural identity. We are still Zimbabwean. And with that comes a shared understanding of values, respect, and expectations.
However, we must also acknowledge the reality of our diaspora. We now have a generation born and raised in multicultural environments. Some are multilingual, others are more British than Zimbabwean in their worldview. They are not lost—they are navigating a new identity. And with them comes an emerging subculture that is vibrant, expressive, and global: Amapiano. The Amapiano stage at Zimfest was a magnet for youth—Zimbabwean and non-Zimbabwean alike. It was a space of freedom, rhythm, and rebellion. Many of the women wearing revealing outfits were part of this subculture, and not all were Zimbabwean. It’s important we don’t paint everyone with the same brush. Still, Zimfest is a family event. Children are present. Elders are watching. And as much as we embrace diversity, we must also protect the sanctity of our cultural space. There is a way to express ourselves that honours both our heritage and the land we now call home. Let’s not forget, we are the village. Even though we left the physical village, we carry it with us—virtually, spiritually, and culturally. We represent our parents, our elders, our ancestors. Would ambuya or sekuru approve of what we saw? Probably not. But this is not a train smash. It’s a moment of learning. A chance to reset. To remind each other ana sisi, ana mai, ana mainini, ana Chihera, aChihoro, Mandlovu, Shonga, Masibanda, MaNgwenya and al whom I can’t mention, you are loved, you are powerful, and you are the custodians of our culture. Let’s do better. Let’s protect what makes us uniquely Zimbabwean. And let’s continue to celebrate, grow, and evolve together in preserving our culture.
ZIMFEST 2025 – A Wake-Up Call Wrapped in Love Let’s not mince our words—some of our behaviour this year was simply despicable. Apa tochitsuudzana pachedu, tichitaura semhuri. Fighting? Brawls? Fistfights? Hatizvidi. That’s not who we are. Vakoma, regai zvemhirizhonga. We are a people of peace, of unity, of rudo. And then there’s the issue of public defecation—madutu 15? That’s not true guys, yes in a public gathering you will find such occurrences but that was a bit exaggerated and no fine was issued. At a festival that had over 100 top-tier ablution facilities? Let’s give credit where it’s due—those mobile toilets were clean, sanitised, and well-maintained. Even the pickiest among us can agree: they were not your average festival loos. Kudos to the organisers for that. And to those who love to go head-to-head with other nationalities online over Zimfest drama—musadaro. With the way things went down this year, take a back seat.
You won’t win this one. Bums out and poo-poo? kkkk That’s a 10–0 loss. Full stop. But despite it all, I want to end on a note of love. Because that’s what being Zimbo is all about. We are a beautiful, vibrant, loving people. We laugh loud, we dance hard, we love deeply. Let’s not lose that. Let’s correct each other with kindness. Let’s raise our standards, not just for ourselves, but for our children, our elders, and the ancestors who watch over us. MuRUDO – MuRUDO chete! Until Zimfest 2026, sarai zvakanaka, ramba makachena, uye rambai muri vanhu vane hunhu.
Pictures – ZIMFEST
Discover more from earGROUND
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
