Jacaranda Festival Thrills Crowds with World-Class Performances

The 2025 edition of the Jacaranda Music Festival brought colour, rhythm, and international collaboration to the Thorn Park Polo Grounds from October 3 to 5, reaffirming its place as one of Zimbabwe’s premier cultural events.

Supported by BET Africa, the British Council Zimbabwe, and several corporate partners, the festival attracted thousands of music enthusiasts for a three-day showcase of local and international talent.

The festival opened on Friday night with an energetic lineup headlined by DJ Spunj and DJ Sox, who set the stage with vibrant sets that ignited the crowd. Jazzworx & Thukuthela blended jazz and electronic rhythms to wide acclaim, while Madeherbelieve delivered a soulful performance that resonated deeply with festivalgoers.

Zimbabwean stars ExQ and DJ Tamuka lit up the stage with a dynamic set tailored for the high-profile event, while South Africa’s Khamo Mpela delivered one of the standout performances of the night with her commanding stage presence and energy.

Sunday’s finale drew massive crowds for an impressive lineup that included Noluntu J, DJ Spunj, and veteran musician Agga Nyabinde, whose performance paid homage to Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage. South African acapella group The Soil stole the show with their signature Afro-soul harmonies, earning a standing ovation.

Award-winning DJ Lamiez Holworthy thrilled fans with her high-energy mix, prompting calls from the crowd for her return at next year’s Carpe Diem DJ showcase. The festival closed with an electrifying set by South African superstar DJ Tira, who kept the audience dancing until the final beat.

Beyond live performances, the Jacaranda Music Festival also featured a two-day music business conference that provided training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for emerging artists. Industry experts shared insights on music production, rights management, and the regional entertainment market, furthering the event’s goal of strengthening Zimbabwe’s creative economy.

Festival director Tinashe Mutarisi said the 2025 edition reflected the event’s growing influence.

“Jacaranda has become more than just a music festival — it’s a platform for artistic exchange, learning, and community,” he said.

As the curtains closed on the 2025 festival, organizers hailed the event’s success and confirmed that planning for the 2026 edition is already underway.

With its combination of world-class performances, cultural exchange, and professional development, the Jacaranda Music Festival continues to blossom as a key fixture on Zimbabwe’s entertainment calendar.

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