Harare is preparing to welcome thousands of returning Zimbabweans this festive season as Dzoka Fest takes place on 18 December at Glamis Arena, positioning itself as a major homecoming celebration for the diaspora.
Designed for Zimbabweans returning home for the holidays, Dzoka Fest aims to create a shared space where families, friends and communities can reconnect through music.
Organisers describe the event as a cultural reunion, a moment for those living abroad to celebrate side by side with loved ones at home, marking the beginning of the festive season.
Dzoka Fest brings together international and local stars, offering a vibrant mix of Afrobeats, amapiano, urban music and Zimdancehall.
Heavy Lineup at Dzoka Fest
What makes this event attractive is the lineup, which features the likes of Darkoo, DJ Maphorisa, Jazzwrks, Thukutela, Mas Musiq, Nkosazana Daughter, Saintfloew, Nisha Ts and Jnr Spragga, to name a few.
One of the most anticipated performances will come from Darkoo, the Nigerian-British rapper and singer whose rise has been fuelled by her ability to blend UK rap with Afrobeats and drill influences.
Born in Lagos and raised in London, Darkoo gained international recognition with her breakout hit “Gangsta”, which dominated charts and clubs across Europe and Africa.
She has gone on to release numerous other hits, including “Favourite Girl”, “Kryptonite”, “Bad From Early”, “Slow Down” and “Shayo”, among others.
Her music, often celebrated for its confidence and cross-cultural appeal, has earned her multiple award nominations and a strong following across social media platforms.
Her appearance at Dzoka Fest signals the festival’s international ambitions and is expected to draw significant attention from fans across the region.
South African producer DJ Maphorisa is another major drawcard. Widely regarded as one of the architects of the amapiano movement, Maphorisa’s influence stretches across Africa and beyond.
Known for his high-energy sets and hit-making collaborations, his performance is expected to be one of the festival’s defining moments.
With amapiano continuing to dominate dance floors in Zimbabwe, Maphorisa’s presence places Dzoka Fest firmly at the centre of contemporary African music culture.
Two of the festival’s standout acts, Jazzwrld and Thukutela, arrive as some of the most influential South African artists of 2025, widely recognised for leading the rise of the 3-Step genre across the region.
Their music — rhythm-driven, melodic and deeply rooted in contemporary dance culture — has dominated clubs, festivals and social media throughout the year.
For Zimbabweans returning home, their presence reflects the sounds that have defined Southern African nightlife in 2025, making Dzoka Fest feel current, regional and forward-looking.
Together, Jazzwrld and Thukutela bring a fresh, high-energy dimension to the line-up, connecting Harare’s festive crowd with the cutting edge of regional music trends.
South African singer Nkosazana Daughter completes a powerful core of headline acts. With a growing reputation in the amapiano and Afro-pop space, she has become known for her emotive vocals and collaborations with some of the region’s biggest producers.
The local acts on the list have also had a great year, with Jnr Spragga, Nisha Ts and Saintfloew having some of the biggest hits in the country right now.
More Than Just a Concert
Beyond the music, Dzoka Fest has been positioned as a full festival experience.
Organisers have outlined multiple ticketing options, including VIP and VVIP packages, which offer enhanced viewing areas, separate bars, and bottle service.
Security, parking and crowd management have also been prioritised, with additional measures in place to ensure a smooth and safe event for attendees of all ages.
A Festive Tradition in the Making
As Zimbabwe enters its busiest entertainment period, Dzoka Fest is shaping up to be one of the season’s defining events.
By combining international star power with local talent, the festival aims to establish itself as an annual celebration of music, unity and the festive spirit.
With anticipation building ahead of 18 December, Dzoka Fest is widely expected to deliver a memorable start to the holiday season in Harare — one that reflects the city’s growing confidence as a destination for large-scale music events.
