When a festival understands it’s audience, there is a special synergy that is formed. The understanding goes beyond the named headliner, but it is a matter of a curated experience. The announcement of a new edition triggers the memories of a feeling. This is the story of Unplugged Festival.
All through year people have been wondering when it would return, if it would return even. Because while there’s been a festival glut and something offering live music is on every weekend, they all just haven’t been Unplugged. They haven’t had that special feeling.
While it has only been a year since its last edition, a year is a long time in Unplugged years. Because once upon time it was there every single month. Launched in December of 2013 Unplugged as the brainchild of Chiedza Danha and Ellinah Chipumha m, it came to life as Harare’s premier wine and blanket festival. An escape from the chaos of Zimbabwean life into a temporary existence where everyone is unplugging.
Memories were created, friendships formed, and Zimbabwean talent celebrated. The platform has hosted over 59 events, 150+ unique acts and 25+ DJs on its stage. The unpluggers it recruited to its religion of live music and great entertainment, simply too many to count. It is an event that found its place in the hearts of a generation.
This December it returns and we couldn’t be happier for it. The nostalgia for Unplugged itself is added to by their choice in headliner; Liquideep. For a moment in December we’ll go back to the days of BBMs, to a time when the country felt carefree and smiles didn’t feel like a strain on facial muscles.
We’ve already got our tickets, because this edition feels like one you’ll regret if you miss it. 21 December, at First Capital Bank Sports Club, we remove ourselves from life’s sockets and let live music take us to a different.
