WINTER is finally blinking first.
You can feel it in the air, that first whisper of warmth creeping back in, and this weekend is the perfect way to meet it halfway.
Put something nice on, get out of the house, and let the city do the rest.
Friday, 17 July 2026
Friday kicks things off quietly, but meaningfully.
Kurai “Mukanya” Makore, the Chimurenga heir apparent personally endorsed by his uncle the legendary Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, takes the stage at Red Eagle Bar and Restaurant in Ruwa from 8pm.
Backed by the superb Black Lions Band, Makore leads a 14-piece outfit and his job appears simple on stage as they complement each other perfectly.
Born in Highfield and now also a village head under Chief Chipuriro in Guruve, Makore did not even discover his voice until 2019 when Suluman Chimbetu invited him on stage at an album launch to sing one of Mapfumo’s songs and the fans were blown away.
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That surprise has since turned into a full-blown career.
Entry at Red Eagle is just US$5, which is honestly one of the best deals in town on a Friday night.
Saturday, 18 July 2026
Saturday is where things get a bit heavier on the wallet, but absolutely worth it.
Paivapo Presents brings Xperience Jah Prayzah to the ART Farm in Borrowdale from 2pm, and if you need convincing, just look at the lineup.
The show is joined by Wowrae, Probeatz, Sylent Nqo, Mary Anibal and C Skillz.
The dress code is Bohemian Chic, which gives you every excuse to put together something interesting.
General admission is US$40, VIP is US$80 and VVIP is US$200.
Tickets are available online on Hype Nation or physically at Paivapo in Arundale Village, B.S. Studios and MedOrange Pharmacies.
If US$40 feels steep, head to Pergola Garden at Shop 213 in Longcheng Plaza for Pegola Saturday instead.
R&B singer Nyasha David, known affectionately as The Advocate of Love and one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent voices in contemporary R&B, performs live alongside DJ Klique, C Skillz, DJ Drew, MC Gully and DJ Danny Lite.
Note that alcohol will not be sold to anyone under 18.
And for those who want something rootsier on Saturday night, Mushandirapamwe Hotel in Machipisa, Highfield, is the place to be.
Chimurenga PaFio brings Kurai “Mukanya” Makore and the Black Lions back to the stage from 8pm, this time with DJ Ndumiso Skywalker in the mix.
There is something quite special about hearing Chimurenga music at Mushandirapamwe, a venue where Makore himself played live long before he became a household name.
Entry is US$5.
Sunday, 19 July 2026
Sunday rounds the weekend off with two options at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Build Your Citi presents The All Day Event at Green Screen Cinema on 40 Bargate Road from midday.
Live music, food, fire pits and people, with Chiweddar, Sylent Nqo and Langton B on the bill.
It is US$10 to get in and it sounds exactly like the kind of Sunday you would tell people about on Monday morning.
If you have the family in tow, the Uptown Chimurenga Family Concert at Zone Gardens in Borrowdale from 3pm is a proper option.
Kurai Makore and the Black Lions headline again, with tickets at US$10 ordinary, US$20 VIP and just US$3 for the kids. It is the kind of afternoon that reminds you why live music matters.
So there it is.
Five events across three days, ranging from US$3 to US$200 depending on how generous you are feeling.
The cold could be finally slipping away, but not the music and weekend entertainment.
The Weekend Guide runs every Friday in NewsDay. For any further information, or if you want your event to be included in the guide and covered, contact Valentine Maya on:
Email:[email protected]
WhatsApp: +263 717898965
Instagram: @valentne_maya
