NATHANIEL GONDO
From Harare to Bulawayo and now Mutare, One Giant Picnic is steadily building a case for being one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting event experiences. With another sold out edition in the eastern highlands capital, the curtain has finally come down on a show that continues to raise the bar for event curation. But what exactly makes One Giant Picnic stand out?
Mutare was the latest city to experience what has become the One Giant Picnic phenomenon. Having already made its mark in Harare and Bulawayo, the event’s arrival in the eastern highlands was another significant step in its growth. And judging by the turnout the excitement surrounding the picnic continues to travel beyond the capital.
Lets talk about the venue Azalea Hill Gardens was the perfect setting. Before the music, the games and the performances, the venue itself deserves a moment.
Set among the hills, Azalea Hill Gardens was an almost perfect match for the Mutare edition. Mutare is known for its mountainous landscape and beautiful natural surroundings, so finding a venue that reflected the city’s character was essential. Azalea Hill Gardens delivered on that front. The greenery, scenery, atmosphere and natural setting captured the very essence of an outdoor picnic. It complemented the event’s identity rather than competing with it.
Sometimes, the venue is just as important as the entertainment and this was one of those occasions. Azalea Hill Gardens ticked the boxes, providing the kind of setting that made the experience feel complete.
If there was one thing that immediately stood out, it was the energy of the crowd. One Giant Picnic was exactly what its name suggested, a picnic and the attendees understood the assignment. The colourful outfits filled the venue, matching the vibrant spirit of the occasion. It was a crowd that came dressed for the experience and ready to enjoy every moment. From one DJ set to another, people danced, vibed and responded to the music, creating an atmosphere that remained alive throughout the day.
At its heart, One Giant Picnic has always been about more than the music. It is an experience that accommodates different people, interests and ways of enjoying the day. Whether dancing to the DJs, playing games or simply spending time with friends, there is something for everyone. As creative director Desmond Tapfuma puts it, “One Giant Picnic is an excuse to slow down, get outside, meet people and enjoy the simple things. The music is important, but the people are the real point.”
That philosophy is reflected in the activities that take place beyond the dance floor. Games such as cards, ping pong and ball games bring people together, creating opportunities for interaction beyond the music. Strangers become teammates, conversations start over a game and people find themselves sharing moments with others they might never have met. In a world where social gatherings can sometimes feel centred around the stage, One Giant Picnic places people at the heart of the experience. It is a reminder that sometimes the best part of an event is not the performance you came to see, but the people you meet along the way.
It cannot be a One Giant Picnic if music is not there. DJ Mimi took attendees on a journey through deep Afro house delivering a set that was met with an impressive response from the crowd. BRZE followed with a more laid back selection, moving through different genres and familiar hits while maintaining the relaxed picnic atmosphere. The crowd remained responsive, dancing and vibing to the different sounds that shaped the day. It was a reminder that a well curated lineup is not simply about the names on the bill but how each set contributes to the overall experience.
Came the headliner Mugaratia who took the crowd on a musical flight. And one of the day’s standout moments came when Mugaratia took to the stage with a live band. What followed was a performance that brought attendees out of their seats and turned the crowd into a choir, singing along to several of his hits. Opening with jet, Mugaratia took his fans on a musical journey, keeping them in flight as he moved through his catalogue. When Sunday came on one of most popular Mugaratia songs, the crowd erupted, a clear indication of how much the song has connected with his audience.
But he was not done flying just yet. Dial Delivery came next and almost everyone seemed to abandon their spots to make their way closer to the star. Fans wanted to get a better view of the star, joining him in singing along to the yesteryear hit song. It was one of those moments when the performer and audience became one. He wrapped up the set with the chart topping 4 Mababe. By then, the crowd had been treated to a performance that left many wanting more. Beyond the music, the reception was a reminder of Mugaratia’s growth and the connection he continues to build with his audience.
With the day drawing to a close, Maddawgs, the DJ duo of Donnel Mango and Nish Marovanidze, took over the decks. Known for their polished delivery, the duo did what they do best closing the picnic with a well-executed DJ set that kept the energy going. It was a fitting way to bring the day to a close, giving attendees one more reason to stay on their feet before the curtain finally came down.
One Giant Picnic Mutare was a reminder that a successful event is about more than putting together a lineup and selling tickets. It is about understanding the audience, creating the right atmosphere and bringing different elements together to deliver an experience worth remembering. From the colourful crowd and carefully selected DJ sets to Mugaratia’s crowd pleasing performance, Maddawgs' closing set and the community built around games and shared experiences, the Mutare edition had plenty going for it.
The move from Harare to Bulawayo and now Mutare speaks to the growing reach of the One Giant Picnic brand. More importantly, it shows that a well curated experience can travel beyond the capital and find an audience elsewhere. If this edition is anything to go by, Mutare has certainly earned its place among the standout One Giant Picnic experiences. And perhaps Desmond Tapfuma’s words best capture what the picnic has become, the music may bring people together but it is the people who make One Giant Picnic what it is. At the end he even said vene vezvinhu are the audience that came through without them they will be no One Giant Picnic.
But the ship does not just sail here. One Giant Picnic returns to the capital on December 6 before making its way to the City of Kings and Queens, Bulawayo on December 20, where it will close out the year. Eight months, five events, three cities toured and countless memories made what a debut year worth remembering for One Giant Picnic.
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