ZIMSPHERE
When the Jacaranda Music Festival 2026 lineup dropped, we had to sit with it for a minute. Not because we were shocked but because someone clearly knew what they were doing.
From 2–4 October at Thornpark Polo Club, Jacaranda will be back for its third edition at the venue. This year also introduces the Jacaranda Business Hub—a smart move that gives the festival layers beyond just the stage. Businesses get real activation space, people get reasons to move around the grounds, and it stops the whole thing from feeling like you're just standing in one spot for three days waiting for the next set.
Friday keeps things strictly local, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. Jah Prayzah, Tamy Moyo and The Travellers Band is a pretty serious Zimbabwean lineup on its own. Jah Prayzah is arguably the best musician in the country, and if Tamy Moyo is on a lineup, you just go. No questions asked. Add The Travellers Band to the mix and you have a night built around some of Zimbabwe’s strongest live performers, with Andile Brown, DJ Young Vibes and BRZE filling out the bill. It may not have the continental star power of Saturday and Sunday, but sometimes you just have to let the local acts cook.
Now Saturday. This is the day you can't miss.
Mr Jazziq brings the amapiano heavyweight status, Njelic adds serious South African pedigree, and Feli Nandi continues doing what she does best as a contemporary musician. Sylent Nqo is part of the generation that's genuinely reshaping what contemporary Zimbabwean sound can be, adding a flavour of Zimbabwean rock. Junior Spragga is part of the new wave breathing fresh life into Zimdancehall. Incredible run he's been on that whatever he touches this year turns into gold
Then you've got Kotwane Hikwa, who is arguably top 5 Djs in the country continue to build that reputation, the ever talented Msiz'kay, Mwendamberi, Maluka, Taku Made The Beat, DJ Tatz Bless.
And what we like about Jacaranda is they're not just leaning on established names. Mwendamberi, Nasibo, Mandie Mae, Enhle—these newer voices are getting a real platform. The festival understands that its job isn't just to bring the names people already know. It's to show people what's coming next.
Zee Nxumalo is one of the biggest draws of the entire weekend. The South African vocalist has been on an absurd run of hits, and having her close Jacaranda feels right. Caiiro brings the Afro-house and electronic architecture, while Michael Mahendere, Minister and Mokoomba give the final day its soul and weight.
Mokoomba especially feels like the right move for a festival that's positioning itself as a celebration of African music, not just whatever genre is trending online right now. That's the difference between a festival with taste and a festival with a poster.
Nizhe DeSoul on closing night is smart too. Another top Bulawayo DJ name getting the look they deserve.
A small detail that actually matters. A festival shouldn't just be hours of music followed by everyone heading home. The Hub gives people reasons to move through the space, interact with brands, take a real break between sets if you will.
Jacaranda's already proven itself over multiple editions—previous runs brought Mafikizolo, Diamond Musica, ExQ, Kamo Mphela, DJ Tira, Murumba Pitch, Dlala Thukzin, Mi Casa, Felo Le Tee. The track record is solid. Someone put real thought into this.
TICKETS
Phase 2 (Early Bird) — 8 to 30 September 2026: GA $30 | VIP $55
From 1 October— GA $40 per day | VIP $60 per day
Weekend Pass — $60 throughout (limited availability)
We're currently in Phase 2, so if you're thinking about it, the prices sit at GA $30 and VIP $55—still solid value. The weekend passes are limited though, so if that's your move, lock it in sooner rather than later.
Tickets available from Liquor Supplies outlets (Avondale, Highland Park, Greenfields, Borrowdale, Bradfield Bulawayo) and Gadget Garage Avondale.
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