South African Afro-Pop Giants Mafikizolo to Headline Jacaranda Music Festival 2025 with Focus on Local Talent Development

The Jacaranda Music Festival is back for its 2025 edition, scheduled to take place from October 3 to 5 at the Thornpark Polo Grounds. Now in its eighth year, the festival continues to be a cornerstone event for Zimbabwe’s music scene, combining vibrant live performances with vital industry development opportunities.

Festival director Walter Wanyanya revealed that preparations for the event are well underway, with a clear emphasis on pre-festival workshops designed to nurture local talent and expand artists’ understanding of the music business.

“This year’s festival will feature three full days of music, but more importantly, we will continue with our tradition of hosting workshops before the performances,” Wanyanya said. “These sessions are key in equipping our local artists with business knowledge, industry linkages, and insights from international players.”

Since launching in 2018, the Jacaranda Music Festival has steadily grown into a significant platform for cultural exchange and professional mentorship within Zimbabwe’s creative arts sector. It has successfully brought together local and international musicians, creating a vibrant hub for collaboration and growth.

The first phase of the 2025 lineup boasts an exciting roster, headlined by South African Afro-pop legends Mafikizolo. Joining them will be Murumba Pitch and Vusi Nova, also from South Africa, promising a dynamic blend of sounds that transcend borders. Local acts already confirmed include popular names like Agga Nyabinde, DJ Ace, and DJ Spunj, with more artists expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

A major highlight of the festival remains the educational workshops, which will feature facilitators from major record labels, corporate sponsors, and global entertainment experts. These sessions offer Zimbabwean artists a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain practical skills in areas such as marketing, contract negotiation, and digital distribution.

“People from record labels and music business professionals will be coming to support artists in their growth,” Wanyanya explained. “It’s about building a stronger creative economy and empowering talent with tools to navigate the global music landscape.”

The Jacaranda Music Festival’s commitment to genre diversity and artist development has established it as a key incubator for the music industry in the region. It remains one of the few events that not only entertains but also invests deeply in the long-term success of Zimbabwean musicians.

As anticipation builds for the October festival, the Jacaranda Music Festival continues to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s creative industries by combining unforgettable live performances with meaningful career development. This dual focus ensures the festival’s place as a must-attend event for artists, industry players, and music lovers alike.