263 Culture Fest 2026 lineup announcement
263 Culture Fest will return to Thorn Park Polo Grounds in Harare on 17 October 2026, and organisers have revealed South African DJ and producer Shimza as the first name on this year’s bill.
While tickets for the event went on sale back in March, the lineup was yet to be announced, with many music fans waiting in anticipation. Well, that wait is finally over.
“We’ve just started announcing our lineup, and we’re very excited to have revealed DJ Shimza as our first artist,” creative director Tapfuma Nzara said in an exclusive interview with 263Culture.
“Shimza is one of the biggest acts on the African continent, and we believe he sets the tone for the calibre of lineup people can expect this year.”
A lineup built to set the tone
Nzara said organisers had deliberately taken their time this year.
“For various reasons, we’ve taken our time with the artist selection this year.
“We wanted to be very intentional about putting together the right lineup and the right experience for 263 Culture Fest. More announcements will be coming, so people should definitely stay tuned.”
Since debuting at Belgravia Sports Club in 2023, 263 Culture Fest has built its name on pairing Zimbabwean talent with major acts from across the region.
Its 2024 edition, also at Belgravia, went ahead through heavy rain and still delivered a 14-act bill featuring Uncle Waffles, Kelvin Momo and Blxckie alongside Zimbabwean stars Voltz JT and Tammy Moyo.
Last year’s edition moved to Thorn Park Polo Grounds for the first time and sold out, headlined by a back-to-back set from Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, known together as the Scorpion Kings, alongside Major League DJz, DJ Kent, De Mthuda and rapper A-Reece.
“Since our inception, one thing we’ve always taken pride in is putting together a strong and exciting lineup, bringing together some of the best Zimbabwean talent alongside major acts from across the region and the continent,” Nzara said.
“This year will be no different, and starting with Shimza already gives you an indication of the level we are going for.
“But beyond individual names, we want the entire lineup to represent what 263 Culture Fest is about: Zimbabwean culture, great music, great energy and an experience people genuinely look forward to every year.”
More than a music festival
Organisers are also widening the festival beyond live performances.
“We are increasingly looking at 263 Culture Fest as an overall cultural and lifestyle experience, rather than simply a music festival.
“We’re working on different experiences, activations and elements across the festival that will give people more to see, do and experience throughout the day.”
Nzara said the long-term goal was to make the event a genuine travel draw.
“Our bigger vision has always been to amplify Zimbabwean culture and ultimately establish 263 Culture Fest as a destination festival. Something that people travelling to Harare and Zimbabwe can deliberately align their trip with because they know they are going to experience the best of Zimbabwean music, culture, lifestyle, food and people.”
Fixing last year’s growing pains
Last year’s move to Thorn Park Polo Grounds brought record crowds, but also visible strain, with attendees facing congestion at the entrance, long queues and food stalls that sold out earlier than expected.
“Last year was our first year at Thorn Park Polo Grounds, so naturally there were a lot of lessons that came with operating at that venue for the first time, particularly with the numbers that came through.
“We have listened to the feedback, and this year we are going back much better prepared. We’re looking at the festival across the board, from entrance and access, to food and beverage, additional food stalls, space, comfort and the overall movement of people around the venue.”
Food capacity is a specific priority.
“The demand last year was much higher than anticipated, so this year there will be more food options and greater capacity.
“Every year the festival has grown, and with growth comes learning. Our job is to take those lessons and make the experience better every single year.”
263 Culture Fest 2026 tickets already in a third pricing phase
“Ticket sales have been very encouraging,” Nzara said.
“We actually started selling tickets some time ago, even before announcing the lineup, and we are already on Phase 3.”
He put the early uptake down to loyalty built over previous editions.
“Our regular festival goers know what time it is. They know the experience and they know what we deliver, so many of them don’t wait for the full lineup before securing their tickets.”
With last year’s edition selling out, Nzara was direct about his advice to fans.
“Last year we sold out, and we fully expect another huge turnout this year, so our message is simple: get your tickets as early as possible.”
NetOne, the festival’s headline sponsor from the beginning, continues to back the event for a fourth consecutive year.
“263 Culture Fest is here to stay. Every year we want it to become bigger, better and more representative of the incredible culture Zimbabwe has to offer, not only to Zimbabweans, but ultimately to people travelling from across Africa and beyond.”
More artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as 263 Culture Fest 2026 draws closer.
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.
