South African global DJ and producer Shimza is set to headline the fourth edition of the NetOne 263 Culture Fest, which takes place on October 17 at Thorn Park Polo Club in Harare.
The festival has grown into one of the fastest-rising events on Zimbabwe’s entertainment calendar, with organisers promising a bigger experience this year after learning from the previous three editions.
Shimza, who has built a strong international following with his Afro-tech sound, is expected to be one of the biggest attractions on the bill.
The South African DJ has performed at major events and venues around the world, including Afro Nation, Coachella and Ibiza.
He will be joined by some of South Africa’s biggest names, including veteran rapper K.O, who first rose to prominence as part of Teargas before establishing himself as a solo artist with hits such as Cara Cara.
Amapiano star Sam Deep is also on the lineup. His hit Shela continues to enjoy heavy rotation, while Da Capo, Funkyla and Babalwa M are among the other South African acts set to perform.
Zimbabwe will also be well represented, with dancehall star Madadido, Made A Believe and DJs including Shaku Chante and other local acts adding to the diverse lineup.
Nomuzi Mabhena, popularly known as Moozlie, will return as one of the festival’s MCs.
According to Creative Director Tapfuma Nzara, her return is significant because she has been part of the Culture Fest journey from its early days and understands the audience.
Nzara said the fourth edition would focus heavily on the overall festival experience rather than simply putting artists on a stage.
“The best way to describe the fourth edition of Culture 263 Fest is that it’s going to be much more sophisticated,” Nzara told Zimbuzz.
He said the organisers had taken lessons from each previous edition, with the festival outgrowing its original venue before moving to Thorn Park Polo Club last year.
This year, organisers are putting more focus on food, seating, parking, security, entry points and the movement of vehicles around the venue.
The food village will also be expanded after organisers ran out of food during last year’s event because of a bigger-than-expected turnout.
More seating and chilling areas are being introduced, including bean bags and other items that festival-goers will be able to rent.
The festival will also feature a Don Julio-powered VIP experience, while Johnnie Walker will bring a new energy to the backstage experience.
Tiger’s Milk and La Parada will serve as the drinking experience partners for the festival, with bottle service and dedicated seating available within the 263 Culture Fest Food Village, brought to life by the two brands.
Nzara said the increased brand support has allowed the organisers to focus more on creating different experiences within the festival.
Production is also expected to receive an upgrade, with organisers promising improvements to the stage, sound, aesthetics and other elements of the event.
For Nzara, the long-term goal is to establish Culture Fest as one of those dates on the Harare entertainment calendar that people automatically put aside every year.
“Culture Fest has never been about just putting artists on a stage. We want to create an experience: good music, good people, good food, good energy, good networking and an atmosphere you will always remember,” he said.
With a lineup that cuts across Amapiano, Afro-tech, 3-step, hip-hop and Zimbabwean dancehall, the fourth edition is shaping up to be the biggest Culture Fest yet.
Culture 263 Fest takes place on October 17 at Thorn Park Polo Club.
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