Baba Harare Marks Triumphant Return with The Return of the Jiti Godfather Tour

Jiti lovers in Zimbabwe’s southern region were treated to an unforgettable weekend as Baba Harare made a powerful return to the genre that made him a household name. Dubbed the “Jiti Godfather,” the artist reaffirmed his dominance with two sold-out shows in Bulawayo and Beitbridge that reignited excitement around his signature sound.

After a brief foray into gospel music, Baba Harare has returned to his roots with his new album The Return of the Jiti Godfather – Greater and Wiser. The five-track project features collaborations with Gemma Griffiths and Blessing Jeduthun on Couple of Years and Tiende, alongside Poverty, Chigaba Chinorira, and 9 Months. The title reflects a personal journey of reflection, growth, and musical rediscovery.

The comeback kicked off on Friday night at Palace Gardens in Bulawayo. By 11pm, anticipation had reached its peak as Jah Signal ignited the stage with high-energy performances of Usabvume, Simudza Chako, Ndoenda Newe, and the crowd favourite Stonyeni, which prompted calls for an encore. DJs Keitho and MC Mr Jaiva kept the crowd dancing with a seamless mix of Kwaito and Amapiano hits as the clock edged closer to the main event.

At exactly 2am, Baba Harare took the stage to a thunderous roar. The atmosphere was electric. His set combined timeless hits with new material from his latest album, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he remains at the top of Zimbabwe’s Jiti scene. His energy, dance moves, and connection with the crowd kept fans on their feet throughout the night.

Classics such as Jiti Gure, Stumbo, Ex Tsano, Poto Inopisa, Kumadhudhudhu, and Ndirikunakwa Amai sent waves of nostalgia through the audience. But it was his latest single Poverty that brought the house down. The crowd sang along word for word and demanded multiple encores. For two straight hours, Baba Harare commanded the stage, blending joy, faith, and rhythm in a way only he can.

The celebration continued the following night in Beitbridge. Before his scheduled performance at Pagomba Café, Baba Harare made an unplanned stop at Terry Gardens, where he was pulled on stage by thrilled fans. What started as a casual greeting quickly became a mini-concert filled with dance, laughter, and spontaneous performances. Later, at Pagomba, the main event drew an even larger crowd as fans celebrated the return of their icon.

Show organiser Tapiwa Gandiwa praised Baba Harare’s artistry and connection with his audience. “He returned with immense energy and charisma. At both shows, he gave outstanding performances — a testament to his passion for the craft and respect for his audience,” Gandiwa said.

Fans described the performances as a “Jiti revival,” applauding the artist for fusing traditional and modern rhythms while keeping his sound authentic. Many called the weekend a defining moment for the genre’s resurgence.

Baba Harare’s comeback tour will continue across Zimbabwe before expanding internationally. Stops include South Africa and the United Kingdom, with a performance set for Birmingham on November 29.

Reflecting on his return, Baba Harare said the journey was both emotional and deliberate. “It took me some time to finally decide to return to Jiti music. I wanted to make sure the project was complete before I announced my comeback. At first, I wasn’t sure how people would react, but my true followers never judged me. Instead, they showed even more love and support — and that means everything to me.”

The weekend confirmed what fans already knew. The Jiti Godfather is back, greater, wiser, and more passionate than ever. His return signals not just a personal triumph but a revival of the vibrant, homegrown sound that continues to move Zimbabwe.