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Harare welcomes Africa’s best as T20 World Cup Qualifier roars to life

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Harare welcomes Africa’s best as T20 World Cup Qualifier roars to life

Harare will burst into life this weekend as eight teams converge on the Zimbabwe capital for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, running from 26 September to 4 October.

 

The stakes could not be higher, with the top two finishers securing their spots at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Group A features Namibia, Malawi, Nigeria and Kenya, while Group B has hosts Zimbabwe alongside Uganda, Tanzania and Botswana.

Each team will face their group rivals once, before the semi-finals decide the finalists who will not only battle for the regional crown but also clinch coveted tickets to the global showpiece.

A total of 28 matches – including eight official warm-up games – will be played across Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club, with two fixtures scheduled per venue each matchday.

The tournament bowls off on Friday, 26 September, with Namibia taking on Kenya at Harare Sports Club and Nigeria meeting Malawi at Takashinga in morning fixtures starting at 0930 hours.

In the afternoon matches scheduled for a 1350 hours start, Zimbabwe begin their campaign against Uganda at Harare Sports Club, while Tanzania clash with Botswana at Takashinga.

Fans can also look forward to other action-packed matchdays, including Zimbabwe’s group-stage encounters against Botswana on Sunday, 28 September, and Tanzania on Tuesday, 30 September, both at Harare Sports Club.

The two semi-finals are set for Thursday, 2 October, at Harare Sports Club, which will also host the grand final on Saturday, 4 October.

Playoff matches will take place at Takashinga.

Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the country was excited and ready to host Africa’s best for a tournament of such magnitude.

“Zimbabwe is fully prepared to stage this important qualifier and we are thrilled to welcome seven other nations to Harare for what promises to be a thrilling week of cricket,” he said.

“We call on our fans to come out in their numbers to enjoy the action, create a vibrant atmosphere and make this event a real spectacle as the teams battle for two places at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.”

ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER 2025 FIXTURES

DATEMATCHVENUESTART
Warm-Up22 SeptemberKenya vs ZimbabweHarare Sports Club0930
Malawi vs BotswanaTakashinga Cricket Club0930
Namibia vs UgandaHarare Sports Club1350
Nigeria vs TanzaniaTakashinga Cricket Club1350
Warm-Up24 SeptemberKenya vs TanzaniaHarare Sports Club0930
Namibia vs BotswanaTakashinga Cricket Club0930
Nigeria vs ZimbabweHarare Sports Club1350
Malawi vs UgandaTakashinga Cricket Club1350
Matchday 126 SeptemberNamibia vs KenyaHarare Sports Club0930
Nigeria vs MalawiTakashinga Cricket Club0930
Uganda vs ZimbabweHarare Sports Club1350
Tanzania vs BotswanaTakashinga Cricket Club1350
Matchday 228 SeptemberNamibia vs NigeriaHarare Sports Club0930
Uganda vs TanzaniaTakashinga Cricket Club0930
Zimbabwe vs BotswanaHarare Sports Club1350
Kenya vs MalawiTakashinga Cricket Club1350
Matchday 330 SeptemberZimbabwe vs TanzaniaHarare Sports Club0930
Uganda vs BotswanaTakashinga Cricket Club0930
Namibia vs MalawiHarare Sports Club1350
Kenya vs NigeriaTakashinga Cricket Club1350
Matchday 42 October1st Group A vs 2nd Group B (SF1)Harare Sports Club0930
3rd Group A vs 4th Group BTakashinga Cricket Club0930
1st Group B vs 2nd Group AHarare Sports Club1350
3rd Group B vs 4th Group ATakashinga Cricket Club1350
Matchday 54 October3rd-Place PlayoffHarare Sports Club0930
7th-Place PlayoffTakashinga Cricket Club0930
FINALHarare Sports Club1350
5th-Place PlayoffTakashinga Cricket Club1350

 

Dj Neptune Releases High-Energy Single “Dance No Dance” Featuring Swayvee

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Dj Neptune Releases High-Energy Single “Dance No Dance” Featuring Swayvee

DJ Neptune continues to redefine African music with the release of Dance No Dance, a standout single from his highly anticipated album Greatness IV.

 

Produced by DJ Neptune and Swayvee, the track delivers infectious beats, captivating rhythms, and high-energy vibes designed to get listeners moving.

Featuring the vocal flair of Swayvee, Dance No Dance blends Afrobeat and Afro-fusion with a dancefloor-ready production, showcasing Neptune’s signature ability to fuse contemporary sounds with authentic African musicality.

Recorded in Nigeria, the single reflects the dynamic collaboration between two of Africa’s most exciting talents, creating a track that is both fresh and unforgettable.

Dance No Dance is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Digital Freedom on the Agenda as Hub UnConference Returns to Harare

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Digital Freedom on the Agenda as Hub UnConference Returns to Harare

The Hub UnConference, Zimbabwe’s leading annual gathering on digital media, civic tech, and the creative economy, returns for its 11th edition on September 24–25 at Harare Gardens.

 

This year’s theme, “Decolonize the Internet,” challenges Africans to confront Western biases online and create alternative digital spaces.

Running in the build-up to Shoko Festival, the free-entry event will bring together more than 30 speakers from seven countries across Africa, including academics, activists, journalists, artists, and innovators shaping the continent’s digital and creative future.

The two-day program will focus on pressing questions around data ownership, algorithm bias, digital storytelling, AI’s impact on journalism, and Africa’s role in shaping global internet governance.

Sessions include fireside chats, lightning talks, skill-share workshops, debates, live podcast recordings, and interactive showcases.

Speakers include Goitse Kwada (Botswana), Martial Panucci (Burkina Faso), Antonio Kisemboi (Uganda), Kikaawa Nantume (Uganda), Willson Chivhanga (Malawi), Dean Bhebhe (South Africa),

Mufasa Poet (Kenya), Justine Wanda (Kenya), King Kandoro (Zimbabwe), ProBeatz (Zimbabwe), and keynote speaker Takura Zhangazha (Zimbabwe).

“We’re thrilled to host the 11th Hub UnConference at Harare Gardens as a free event that uses talks and edutainment to tackle pressing global issues,” said Hub Coordinator Takudzwa Musakasa.

“This year’s theme challenges colonial legacies embedded in internet infrastructure, biased AI, and foreign misinformation while calling on Africans to reclaim our digital narratives.”

A major highlight will be the Open Data Africa Summit, which gathers bloggers, activists, developers, and academics from across the region. Panels such as “Africa’s Data Goldmine: Who Profits, Who Loses?” will examine how countries can reclaim ownership of data for transparency, advocacy, and innovation.

Other sessions will explore integrating AI into education and building Africa-centered digital governance frameworks.

Musakasa noted that the UnConference is also designed to connect Zimbabwe’s media and tech colleges with broader African networks:

“One of our visions has been to create a space where universities and young innovators can collaborate and give birth to new ideas that will drive forward Africa’s alternative digital and media sectors.”

The Hub UnConference is organized by Magamba Network, the trailblazing creative and digital media organization behind Shoko Festival.

The event is held in partnership with CHARM Africa, a consortium that promotes human rights, civic freedoms, and media development.

Partners include Wits Journalism, Defend Defenders, Civil Rights Defenders, Civicus, Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), and Fojo Media Institute.

Previous editions have featured speakers from global media outlets such as The Guardian, CNN, and Al Jazeera. This year’s edition continues that legacy of bringing together local and international voices to explore Africa’s place in the digital future.

Entry is free, with RSVP required for planning purposes.

For details and registration: The Hub UnConference 

Zimbabwe’s Creative Industry Eyes Hollywood as Dylan Woodhouse Builds a Pipeline for Global Storytelling

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Zimbabwe’s Creative Industry Eyes Hollywood as Dylan Woodhouse Builds a Pipeline for Global Storytelling

Zimbabwe may soon find itself in the global film spotlight. As Hollywood searches for fresh narratives beyond recycled franchises and overextended intellectual property, Zimbabwean-born producer Dylan Woodhouse believes the country is ready to step forward as a source of world-class stories.

 

Woodhouse, now based in Los Angeles and working with Unrealistic Ideas, the non-scripted studio founded by Mark Wahlberg, is positioning Zimbabwe not just as a market but as a creative hub.

His mission: to turn local stories into globally viable intellectual property, developed with cultural integrity and commercial vision.

“Zimbabwe is not waiting to be discovered,” Woodhouse said. “We have the talent. We have the stories. All we need now is the platform — and that’s what I’m building.”

From mythology and liberation struggles to contemporary youth culture, Zimbabwe offers a wealth of narratives with both cultural depth and international appeal.

Local creators are increasingly fluent in balancing tradition with modern innovation, producing art, music, fashion, and digital content that resonates beyond national borders.

Streamers’ growing appetite for authentic, culturally specific stories aligns with what Zimbabwe can offer.

“We’re not pitching stereotypes. We’re presenting stories that stand on their own,” Woodhouse noted. “That could be a documentary, a family drama, or a survival story that begins in Zimbabwe and connects with audiences anywhere.”

Dylan Woodhouse

At Unrealistic Ideas, Woodhouse has worked across premium documentary and scripted projects, collaborating with major global streamers and collecting awards along the way.

He is currently developing multiple Zimbabwe-rooted projects in documentary, lifestyle, and unscripted formats. His broader goal is to normalise Zimbabwe as part of the global storytelling ecosystem.

“The aim isn’t just to get one Zimbabwean show made,” he said. “It’s to establish Zimbabwe as a consistent source of content and a production hub in its own right.”

Woodhouse emphasises that his approach is different from earlier attempts to “feature” African content through external lenses. His model prioritises authorship and ownership by Zimbabwean creatives.

This ensures cultural authenticity while giving local talent opportunities to benefit directly from the international success of their work.

By investing in development and building partnerships early, Woodhouse hopes to create an IP ecosystem that elevates Zimbabwean stories while retaining creative control.

Major League DJz and Scorpion Kings Headline NetOne 263 Culture Fest 3rd Edition

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Major League DJz and Scorpion Kings Headline NetOne 263 Culture Fest 3rd Edition

All is set for the third edition of the NetOne 263 Culture Fest, scheduled for 18 October at Thorn Polo Club.

 

The festival has grown in leaps and bounds over the past three years, attracting bigger acts and larger crowds with each edition.

Zimbuzz caught up with the festival’s creative director, Tapfuma Nzara, aka T Mula, who explained the move from Belgravia Sports Club to Thorn Polo Club.

“The main reason for changing the venue is that this year we have household names such as Major League DJz and the Scorpion Kings. Last year, Belgravia was a full house and we are expecting an even bigger crowd this year,” he said.

T Mula also confirmed that Nomuzi ‘Moozlie’ Mabhena will return as MC.

“She has become somewhat of a brand ambassador for the event. She understands both South African and Zimbabwean culture. With the way the festival has grown, we expect people from across the region to attend, which will also boost local tourism,” he added.

The festival will also feature a fashion showcase with designers presenting their collections. A wide variety of food will be on sale, from sadza to braaied meat, highlighting the different cultures of Zimbabwe.

The music line-up includes DJ Kent, the seasoned De Mthuda, Ciza of 6 AM fame, and rapper A-Reece, who will bring a South African hip-hop flavour with his strong catalogue.

On the local front, performers include Nisha Ts, Saint Floew now regarded as a veteran and known for his hit Silas Mavende and Atenda Chinx, who will share the stage with other Zimbabwean legends.

Gates open at 12 noon till late.

The Sound of Confidence: King Kandoro Explains the Power of Entrance Music

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The Sound of Confidence: King Kandoro Explains the Power of Entrance Music

From the boxing ring to the comedy stage, the right walk-on song can be as important as the performance itself.

 

Muhammad Ali once walked out to the Star Wars theme song. Mike Tyson once terrified opponents walking out to nothing but silence.

Wrestlers strut in with music so iconic it’s practically their brand. And UFC fighters know their entrance track can turn an arena into a war zone before a single punch is thrown.

Now, comedians are claiming that same energy. At least, that’s how King Kandoro sees it.

“Things that we do require you to be confident before the show,” Kandoro told Zimbuzz. “Whether it’s physically fighting, in the case of UFC and boxers, or, in our case, being confident that what you’ve written will make people laugh.”

For Kandoro, a Zimbabwean comic with a knack for blending social satire and streetwise charm, the ring walk is no gimmick. It’s ritual.

“You’re trying to get yourself in the spirit,” he explained. “You are trying to hype yourself and reach a level where people hopefully meet you.”

And it’s not just for him. The music, he insists, has to lift the crowd, too. “The song has to raise the energy levels of both the audience and yourself so that, before you say anything, you are actually meeting on a parity level.”

That’s why his choices go deeper than hype. In past years, he’s walked on to Tanto Wavie’s “007” and Master H’s “Pressure.”

Shoko Comedy Night line up

Both bangers, yes, but also reflections of his own headspace at the time. “The theme songs I’ve always tried to use… are songs that are thematic to what is happening in my life at that particular time,” he said.

This year, the stakes feel higher. Shoko Comedy Night, celebrating its 15th edition at Harare Gardens on Thursday, September 25, is the biggest comedy stage in Zimbabwe.

Kandoro headlines, sharing the bill with Kenya’s sharp-tongued satirist Justine Wanda, creator of “Fake Woke With Justine” alongside Munyaradzi Mike Chipere, Munya, and Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu.

It’s a stacked card, and Kandoro knows his entrance matters.

“I’m already feeling pressure about which song I’m going to use,” he admitted. “I’m pinning my hopes on Zimdancehall releases that may come out between now and September 25.”

It’s part of a larger truth: comedy, like combat sports, is a test of nerves. One fighter steps into the cage, another steps onstage, but both need that jolt of confidence before the first blow or in Kandoro’s case, the first punchline.

And if you want to know what soundtrack he finally chooses, there’s only one way. As Kandoro himself teased: “So if you want to know which song I’ll be using, come to the Shoko Comedy Night at the Harare Gardens.”

HALU! and Skai Release Afro-House Single “Kumba” – A Sonic Homecoming

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HALU! and Skai Release Afro-House Single “Kumba” – A Sonic Homecoming

Enigmatic producer HALU! and vocalist Skai present ‘Kumba’, taken off their collaborative EP Eyethu – out on all digital platforms 26 September 2025.

 

In the context of Eyethu, a genre-bending body of work that reclaims the meaning of home and identity through ancestral echoes and futuristic soundscapes, Kumba acts as a central pulse.

As the Eyethu EP reclaims the meaning of home, identity, and resilience, it’s rooted in personal truth and ancestral memory.

Between its inventive compositions and Skai’s heartfelt vocals, the project is both a reckoning with the present and a return to the past.

This is deftly reflected in the project’s artwork, crafted by renowned multidisciplinary artist Sherman Baloyi. The striking album cover bridges digital design and traditional heritage in the same way Eyethu infuses indigenous values into afro-futuristic frameworks to craft a sonic homecoming.

A spiritual and sonic exploration of identity, memory, and return; Kumba is rooted in Afro-house rhythms and layered with rich vocals.

Between its alluring grooves, the song is a musical love letter to the idea of home, both in a physical and spiritual sense.

 “Kumba means home in Shona,” singer Skai explains. “The song is a reflection on what it means to find one’s way back to self….to belonging, to peace.” Over hypnotic percussion and evocative vocal loops, Skai sings:

“There’s that one place  
Where anything goes
Where an embrace is better than gold” 

These lines echo the yearning many feel in a fractured world and Kumba serves as a bold affirmation of return, asking listeners to listen not just with their ears, but with memory: to go back, to remember, and to find home in the beat.

“These lyrics are both intimate and universal,” Skai says. “I’m inviting my listeners to journey inward toward healing and rediscovery.” This is Afro-house in its purest form, with Skai and HALU! combining the traditional and contemporary for a revelatory, synth-tinged voyage.

‘Run for a Child’ Half Marathon Set to Raise $10,000 for Matthew Rusike Children’s Home

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‘Run for a Child’ Half Marathon Set to Raise $10,000 for Matthew Rusike Children’s Home

Matthew Rusike Children’s Home (MRCH) is set to host a fundraising marathon dubbed ‘Run for a Child’ Half Marathon on October 19 at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare.

 

The Run for a Child Half Marathon event aims to raise US$10 000 to be channeled towards the essential needs of the children under MRCH care and the expansion of the educational facilities.

The marathon that also seeks to create awareness of the MRCH charity work will feature three race categories, 21km that will start at 6:00 AM, 10km race to commence at 6:10 AM and the 5km run that will start at 6:15 AM.

Speaking ahead of the event, MRCH director Reverend Linrlelink Mutendzwa said the marathon will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s mission to transform lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe through biblical nurturing, teaching, and training into adaptive, responsible, self-reliant, and God-fearing citizens.

“As Matthew Rusike Children’s Home we extend a warm invitation to the public, corporate partners, and well-wishers to participate in the Run for a Child Half Marathon fundraising initiative, which we believe will make a lasting difference in the lives of children under our care,” Reverend Mutendzwa said.

“The marathon is more than a sporting event, it is a platform for the community to come together in support of vulnerable children as the funds to be raised will be used to complete and furnish a classroom block for our newly established Matthew Rusike Academy.”

Reverend Mutendzwa said participants are required to pay a registration fee of US$20 that can be via Ecocash merchant 74930 adding that, tables will also be available for sale at US$15 each, and payments can again be made via EcoCash.

“Physical registration will take place on Friday, October 17 at Trinity MCZ (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) and Old Georgians Sports Club (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM). On Saturday, October 18, potential participants will register at Old Georgians Sports Club. Payment can also be via Ecocash merchant 74930,” Reverend Mutendzwa explained.

The MRCH provides residential care to 100 children and reaches over 1,000 children nationwide through outreach programmes.

“As we are trying our best to expand the Matthew Rusike Academy (MARA) into a junior infant school, financial constraints are proving to be the stumbling block. The MARA was founded as a crèche and has since developed into an Early Childhood Development (ECD) center,” Reverend Mutendzwa noted.

“The vision to expand MARA into a junior infant school emerged during the COVID-19 era, and in January 2024, the first Grade One class was enrolled. Construction of a two-classroom block, now at roof level, is underway, and proceeds from the marathon will be used to accelerate this project’s completion.”

Reverend Mutendzwa applauded the partners who have already come on board for the marathon and urged more stakeholders to join the initiative and run for a worthy cause.

“We encourage all participants to bring any donations on the day of the run. All contributions, in any form, will be greatly appreciated as they go a long way in support of our mission to bring joy, smiles to the faces of the children and uplift their lives,” Reverend Mutendzwa noted.

The Matthew Rusike Children Home’s childcare initiative was influenced by the work of the late Reverend Matthew Jacha Rusike who worked tirelessly for the benefit of the less privileged children.

Reverend Rusike was a Methodist Church in Zimbabwe member who took children in need and looked after them as he was moving from one place of appointment to another.

Currently the home operates a multifaceted programme that combines residential care and community-based orphan care initiatives in response to the growing number of children in need of care.

13th Let Them Schools Arts Festival Set for Harare City Sports Centre

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13th Let Them Schools Arts Festival Set for Harare City Sports Centre

The countdown has started for the thirteenth annual Let Them Schools Arts Festival, happening on Friday 19 September and Saturday 20 September 2025 at the Harare City Sports Centre.

 

This year’s theme, “Paivapo, Kukhona, Once Upon a Time,” invites students and audiences to journey through stories of resilience, history, and imagination while celebrating the arts.

This much anticipated two-day event will showcase students from ECD, Primary School, and High School categories, offering young creatives from Harare and beyond a platform for their talent.

Organisers confirm that registration is still open to schools and institutions from outside the city, ensuring the festival represents a truly diverse cross-section of Zimbabwean youth.

The Let Them Schools Arts Festival has grown into a cultural cornerstone over thirteen years, empowering youth through drama, music, dance, poetry, and visual arts.

This year’s event holds special meaning as it honors the life and musical legacy of Leonard Dembo, whose family will attend as guests of honor.

Attendees can also anticipate captivating performances by guest artists, including Music Crossroads Band, Beke who is Gweru based, Tatenda Mahachi, The Marasha Kids, Charles TJ, Afro-Ethnic Babe, and trending Zimbabwean comedian Moojaya.

“Paivapo, Kukhona, Once Upon a Time is this year’s theme, which is a reminder that these young performers are storytellers in their own right,” stated Chidochemoyo Musasiwa, Director of Let Them Trust.

“They are documenting where we have come from, where we are, and where we are going.”

“The 13th Let Them Schools Arts Festival has faced challenges, but the team and partners have worked hard to ensure this edition will be a resounding success.

Despite the setbacks, the festival’s organisers are excited and grateful for the support that has made them stronger and more united.

The decision to shift the festival from July to September seems to have added a new dynamic, bringing a summer vibe that will brighten us all.

“The Let Them Schools Arts Festival is in a new partnership with the City of Harare, a new venue, new staff with fresh ideas, so Paivapo is a fitting theme for this festival.

Who says 13 is an unlucky number?” Added Chido.

With a new venue courtesy of the City of Harare, stronger partnerships, and a summer atmosphere promising extra vibrancy, the 2025 festival is set to be one of the most memorable yet.

Event Details Dates:Friday 19 September & Saturday 20 September 2025 Venue:Harare City Sports Centre Categories: ECD, Primary School, High School Theme:Paivapo, Kukhona, Once Upon a Time

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Nears Finale as Manicaland and Masvingo Crown Winners

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Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Nears Finale as Manicaland and Masvingo Crown Winners

The Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 talent search is approaching its climax, with provincial finals in Mashonaland East/Manicaland and Masvingo producing their champions over the weekend.

 

In Mashonaland East/Manicaland, Mnenga Band, an Afro-fusion group, claimed the top spot with a performance that earned them the US$2,500 prize and a place in the national grand finale set for October.

They were followed by Watsomba Stars, a Sungura group, in second place, and ASG Band, representing traditional music, in third.

Groups finishing second and third are collecting US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Masvingo’s contest highlighted the growing dominance of Afro-fusion. Afro Pulse emerged victorious, while Afro Beatz secured second place. The third slot went to Doctors Band, a Rhumba Afro outfit, completing a diverse lineup of regional talent.

This year’s edition marks the 25th anniversary of the competition, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

Mnenga Band, an Afro-fusion group

Since its launch, the program has been Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music platform, unearthing talent from across the country and helping transform aspiring musicians into household names.

The 2025 contest has adopted a revamped format, consolidating the provincial rounds into six larger competitions, each sending three groups to the national stage.

Winners at the finals will compete for the grand prize of US$15,000 and a recording contract, with second and third prizes of US$10,000 and US$7,000 respectively.

So far, champions have been crowned in Midlands, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East/Manicaland, and Masvingo, building anticipation for what promises to be one of the most competitive finales in the competition’s history.

The last provincials will be for Harare and Mashonaland Central, which will take place at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse in Harare

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