R&B Dancehall Lovers will mark its first anniversary in Harare on Saturday, 31 October, with an expanded outdoor festival that its organisers hope will show how far the nostalgia-driven entertainment brand has grown over the past year.
The event will run from midday to midnight at Belgravia Sports Club, bringing together old-school R&B, dancehall, reggae, and timeless classics alongside guest artists, DJ performances, and dedicated VIP experiences.
For event organiser Juice the Strongest DJ, the R&B Dancehall Lovers anniversary fete is an opportunity to thank the audience that has helped the concept grow from a regular gathering into a more established name on Harare’s entertainment calendar.
“This is more than just another music event. It is our way of thanking everyone who has supported R&B Dancehall Lovers from the beginning,” he told 263Culture.
The anniversary is being promoted under the slogan “Old Is The New Vibe”, reflecting a concept built around music that continues to connect people across generations.
From a regular party to a growing entertainment brand
R&B Dancehall Lovers began with a simple idea: create a space where people could reconnect with the music they grew up listening to.
The concept started with regular gatherings at Bakerloo in Harare before moving into other venues, including Tiger’s Milk. In August, it took its first step into Bulawayo, extending its reach beyond its original home market.
Juice describes the journey as “incredible, challenging and very rewarding”.
“What started as an idea has grown into a recognisable entertainment brand with a passionate following.”
That growth, he added, has come with lessons about the work involved in sustaining an event beyond its initial appeal.
“Every edition has taught us valuable lessons about production, customer experience, consistency and understanding our audience.”
The response from attendees has remained an important source of motivation.
“Seeing people singing along, dancing together and enjoying themselves reminds us why we started.”
The anniversary, therefore, arrives at a point when the organisers are seeking to build on that following while giving regular attendees a noticeably different experience.
A bigger festival, with DJs at its centre
The anniversary edition will differ from the event’s monthly gatherings through a larger stage, enhanced sound and lighting, a broader festival setup, food and beverage areas and dedicated VIP experiences.
“The biggest difference is that this is not simply an expanded monthly edition. It is a full anniversary festival experience, designed to celebrate an entire year of R&B Dancehall Lovers.”
The music will remain central to the format. DJ Juice, DJ Walle and DJ A.M. are among the DJs named for the event, alongside other selectors and guest performers.
The programme will also feature live artist appearances, adding another dimension to an experience largely built around the relationship between DJs, familiar records and an audience that knows the music.
Juice said the intention was to create a continuous musical journey rather than structure the day around a single headline act.
“We want people to come early, stay throughout the festival and enjoy the entire musical journey rather than arriving for just one act,” he said.
The organisers are also planning a special grand finale, although details of the planned surprises have not been disclosed.
For a concept that relies heavily on familiarity, the challenge is to make the anniversary feel different without losing the musical identity that brought its audience together in the first place.
Preparations and the challenge of hosting a larger crowd
With three days remaining before the event, Juice said preparations were at an advanced stage, with the team working on production, security, hospitality, vendors and general event logistics.
“Our priority is to deliver an enjoyable, well-organised and memorable experience,” he said.
He acknowledged the pressure of coordinating an event of this scale, adding that the team’s focus was on the details affecting attendees from arrival through to the final performance.
One practical issue is beverage service. The organisers have prohibited cooler boxes but will allow camping chairs.
The restriction on cooler boxes makes efficient bar service particularly important at an outdoor festival running for 12 hours.
Juice said organisers had considered the possibility of congestion and were planning multiple beverage service points, with attention to staffing, stock availability and crowd movement around the venue.
“We want people spending more time enjoying the music and less time waiting to be served,” he said.
R&B Dancehall Lovers Anniversary Ticket prices and VIP table packages
The organisers report encouraging interest in the anniversary, including sell-outs across early ticket allocations and the first Lovers Package allocation.
“We are also seeing interest from people who are planning to attend R&B Dancehall Lovers for the first time,” Juice said.
Phase One tickets sold out, while Phase Two general admission is going for US$25 for one person or US$35 for two. VIP admission is at US$40 per person during Phase Two.
Those who want to wait and buy tickets at the gate will have to part with US$30 for general admission, US$50 for VIP and US$100 for VVIP.
Prospective attendees should confirm current availability and applicable prices before purchasing.
The tickets are being sold online on Megaticket, with physical tickets available at Clouds 2 You (Avondale, Highlands Park, Village Walk).
For groups seeking reserved seating, VIP table packages range from US$250 for up to four people to US$950 for up to 10. The packages include redeemable amounts ranging from US$200 to US$900, but event tickets are sold separately.
There are also VVIP table packages which range from US$1 300 to US$2 700.
Only prepaid tables will be reserved, the organisers have stated.
Building beyond the first year
The anniversary is both a celebration of the event’s progress and an opportunity to establish what comes next.
Juice said the support received over the past year had strengthened the team’s belief in the concept, but the organisers were conscious that continued growth would depend on delivering on their promises.
“We are proud of how far we have come, but we also believe this is just the beginning,” he said.
For the anniversary, the immediate test will be whether the larger production can match the expectations created by the brand’s growth while retaining the sense of community at the centre of its appeal.
Juice’s message to those who have supported the event is one of appreciation and an invitation to be part of the milestone.
“This anniversary belongs to all of us.”
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.
