Jacaranda Music Festival 2024: Bigger And Better Than Ever
The Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 is set to light up Harare from the 4th to the 6th of October 2024 at Thornpark Polo Club.
This extravaganza is arguably the best annual fete in the country at the moment and this year’s edition is set to even be bigger if what the organisers said is anything to go by.
From the expansive lineup to the larger venue, it is clear that Ngoma NeHosho is cooking something major.
In an exclusive interview with 263Culture event organiser Walter Wanyanya said the festival’s growth influenced their decision to change venues.
“This year, attendees can expect an even more expansive and dynamic Festival. The new, larger venue will allow us to host more bespoke vendors, better hospitality spaces and more activities than before,” said Wanyanya.
“Our thrust is on ensuring that the festival experience is seamless and this new space will allow us to do that.”
The festival prides itself on its commitment to diversity, offering a blend of genres including amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro jazz, hip hip, dancehall, EDM and pop among others.
Some of the artists who are taking to the stage include Cassper Nyovest, Morda, Freeman, Felo Le Tee, Nutty O, James Sakala, Master H, Dladla Thukzin and Micasa.
When artistes were unveiled a couple of weeks ago, it was highlighted that two more acts will be added to complete the list. However, they ended up adding three instead.
While the complete lineup has since been published, it seems like the door might still be open to add more artists.
“We have announced all the artists that we are hoping to perform for the Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 edition. But who knows, we are full of surprises.”
Wanyanya added that they had brought back Morda by public demand as fans who saw him perform at Carpe Diem wanted more.
“Morda’s energetic and captivating sets at Carpe Diem were a huge hit with attendees, sparking significant enthusiasm and demand for his return to the local festival circuit. We recognized this opportunity to leverage Morda’s growing popularity in the region and star power to further elevate the musical lineup for our own event.
“Additionally, Morda’s distinct style and musical sensibilities are seen as a strong thematic fit for the Jacaranda Fest. His ability to seamlessly blend global rhythms and genres aligns perfectly with the Fest’s celebration of diverse cultural expressions. Morda’s set is expected to provide a dynamic and vibrant backdrop to the Jacaranda blooms and overall festival atmosphere.”
A Global Stage for Zimbabwean Talent
The Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 is more than just a platform for international stars as it provides a crucial stage for Zimbabwean artists to shine.
This year’s lineup includes homegrown talent such as Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, Mbeu, Mary Anibal and The Travellers Band who will share the stage with regional and international acts.
Beyond the main stage, festival-goers can explore a range of activities designed to enhance their experience.
The festival’s food village will offer a variety of culinary delights from bespoke food vendors, while interactive segments such as Scripts and Bars, a combination of rap battles and music scripting, will engage the audience in new and exciting ways.
Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 Sponsors
The success and growth of Jacaranda Music Festival can be attributed to the support from various sponsors and partners who have been working with the organisers over the years.
“We have had a good relationship with our headline sponsor Stanbic Bank and also other partners like TDW, Mwendo, Nyaradzo with its SEAL brand and of course Star FM our official radio partner who have come on board.
“Sponsors are crucial for the success of any event. They provide the necessary support to help us curate the event. Securing reputable sponsors lends credibility and legitimacy to the festival and allows the festival to be sustainable as a showcase platform for the region’s best talent.”
Stanbic Bank’s Role in Fostering Growth
Behind the festival is the steadfast support of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, which has been instrumental in ensuring the festival’s continued growth.
Speaking at the Jacaranda Music Festival 2024’s launch, Patson Mahatchi, Stanbic’s Head of Business and Commercial Banking, highlighted the bank’s dedication to supporting Zimbabwe’s arts sector, underscoring its belief in the power of culture to drive both social and economic development.
“Our commitment to this continent and our nation is unwavering. We are proud to sponsor the Jacaranda Music Festival, which not only enriches Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage but also creates employment and boosts tourism,” said Mahatchi.
Indeed, the festival has become a vital employment hub, attracting thousands of attendees each year and creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses, from food vendors to many other service providers. Last year’s event drew 13,000 attendees, and with early-bird tickets already on sale, this year’s festival is expected to surpass that figure.
Empowering the Arts
The Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 is not just about entertainment as it is also about nurturing and empowering the arts.
Ahead of the main festival, a two-day music business conference will bring together industry experts, artists, and emerging talent to network, learn, and share insights.
Workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions will provide invaluable guidance on navigating the music industry, making this a must-attend event for anyone serious about their musical career.
Wanyanya emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the conference helps local musicians and creatives develop the skills they need to thrive both artistically and financially.
It is an example of how the festival is not just a celebration but a driver of growth within Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
Tickets Already on Sale
Early bird tickets for the Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 are already on sale at various outlets including Techtools Avondale, Pariah State Avondale and Pariah State Borrowdale.
The Early bird day pass is going for $20, VIP day pass $50 while a weekend pass is $50.
These cheaper tickets are only available up to September 16.
From September 17 the single day pass will be $30, VIP day pass $80 while the weekend pass will be $80.
Jacaranda Music Festival 2024 Full Lineup
- REVERB 7
- MICASA
- THE TRAVELLERS BAND
- DLALA THUKZIN
- FREEMAN HKD & HKD BAND
- AGA NYABINDE
- SKYROOT
- SCRIPTS AND BARS
- SHAKU SHANTE
- EXPRESSIONS BY DANIEL DEUSHLE
- RAX THE DJ
- FELI NANDI
- CASSPER NYOVEST
- NUTTY O REGGAE ICONS – BOB MARLEY- LUCKY DUBE AND UB40 PRESENTED BY MBEU
- MARY ANIBAL AND SYLENT NQO -MUSIC DIRECTOR JOSE SAX
- SPUNJ
- DJ NEPTUNE
- MUSA KEYS
- BACKTRACK VOCALS
- NOMFUSI
- IDOIPE
- CUERVO LENTO
- JAMES SAKALA MORDA
- ST EMMO
- MOKOOMBA
- MASTERH
- FELO LE TEE
- RESIDENT DJ’S – ACE FRVR & SPUNJ
Andrew Moyo is a veteran entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. He has worked for some of the biggest publications in Zimbabwe including The Sunday Mail.
