Music lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the highly anticipated Jacaranda Music Festival 2026 kicks off at Thornpark Polo Grounds in Harare this Friday.
Being one of the biggest fixtures on the local entertainment calendar, thousands of people are expected to be in attendance over the three-day run of the fete.
Putting together a festival of this magnitude is no easy task. With hours to go before gates open, organisers are working overtime to ensure they deliver an epic event.
We caught up with Jacaranda Music Festival Director Walter Wanyanya, who highlighted that preparations were going well.
“We are now in the final stages of putting everything together, and if you’ve been following our social media platforms, you’ll have seen just how much work has been happening behind the scenes,” said Wanyanya.
“At this stage, the focus is on the finer details, making sure that everything, from the stages and sound to hospitality, security and the overall festival experience, comes together as planned.”
He added that this was an exciting time for everyone involved, having spent months planning, negotiating, creating and imagining what this year’s festival should look like and finally getting to see those ideas come to life.
“Putting together a festival of this magnitude comes with its challenges, but we have an incredible team of professionals and service providers who understand what we are trying to achieve.
“For me, the most exciting part is watching an empty piece of land transform into a place where thousands of people will come together to celebrate music, culture and life.
“We are looking forward to opening our gates and welcoming everyone to the ninth edition of the Jacaranda Music Festival.”
A lineup worth its salt
While attending Jacaranda is more about the overall experience rather than just the music aspect, the organisers have gone to great lengths to put together a solid and well-balanced lineup.
Some of the artists taking to the stage include Jah Prayzah, Jnr Spragga, Zee Nxumalo, Caiiro, Njelic, Mr JazziQ, Feli Nandi, Tamy Moyo, Mokoomba and Nizhe De Soul.
“One thing we’ve always maintained is that Jacaranda is not simply about coming to watch a particular artist perform. It’s about the entire experience.
“It’s about discovering new music, meeting people, enjoying the atmosphere and being part of something that brings different cultures and generations together.
“We’ve put together a diverse programme featuring some incredible artists, both local and international, and we believe there is something for everyone across the three days.”
Last-minute ticket rush
Jacaranda Music Festival uses a phased ticket pricing system which rewards those who grab theirs early.
While the tickets went on sale at $25 for a general entry day pass and $50 for VIP, the second phase, which ended on 30 September, saw the price jump up to $30 and $55 respectively.
Those who are used to buying tickets last minute or at the gate will now have to part with $40 for a general entry day pass, and $60 for VIP.
The weekend pass is going for $60, but these usually sell out quickly, so it might be a good idea to grab them early.
Wanyanya indicated that many people had already bought tickets in advance.
“We are encouraged by the response we’ve received so far. The interest in this year’s festival has been exciting, and we appreciate everyone who has already committed to being part of the experience.
“To those who haven’t purchased their tickets yet, my message is simple: don’t wait until you start seeing pictures and videos of everyone having a great time before you decide you should have been there!
“Get your tickets, organise your friends and come and experience Jacaranda for yourself.”
He added that buying a Jacaranda ticket contributes to the growth of Zimbabwe’s creative economy and supports an ecosystem that includes artists, technicians, suppliers and many other professionals.
Jacaranda Music Festival 9th Anniversary Celebration
This is set to be the biggest edition to date, as the festival celebrates nine years of creating memories.
“When we started this journey, we had a vision of creating a platform that would bring people together through music while contributing meaningfully to the development of Zimbabwe’s creative industry.
“Nine years later, that vision continues to evolve.”
Jacaranda has evolved over the years, each edition bringing its own bells and whistles.
This time around, the organisers have expanded the festival experience beyond the performances themselves, creating opportunities for businesses through the Jacaranda Business Hub, which provides platforms for networking, collaboration and meaningful engagement.
They have added hospitality experiences, allowing companies to entertain their clients, employees and business partners in a unique environment.
Festivalgoers are being encouraged to arrive early, explore the different spaces, discover artists they may not be familiar with and, most importantly, enjoy the entire experience.
Wanyanya also took the opportunity to thank sponsors, partners, service providers, artists, government departments and his incredible team.
“A festival of this magnitude is never the achievement of one person or one organisation. It takes an entire community working towards a shared vision.”
“And finally, to everyone who has supported Jacaranda over the past nine years, thank you for believing in this dream and helping us grow it into what it is today.
“We have always said that Jacaranda is more than a music festival. It is a celebration of who we are, what we can create together and the possibilities that lie ahead for Zimbabwe’s creative industry. We can’t wait to welcome you!”
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.
