Look, guys, we’ve been crunching the numbers, observing the festival lineups, and have come to an inescapable conclusion: there’s a handful of South African artists who spend so much time in the teapot-shaped nation of Zimbabwe that it’s a wonder they even have to show their passports at the airport. Let’s be honest—if you’ve attended any event in Zimbabwe in the last 3 weeks, there’s a 90% chance you’ve seen at least one South African act. We’re calling for a special citizenship for these artists because, honestly, at this point, it would save everyone a lot of paperwork. Is it a curious case of promoters being creatures of habit, or perhaps these artists have discovered that the grass is indeed greener—and the pay cheques fatter—on the other side of the Limpopo? So, let’s break down the unofficial residents of Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene.
Mafikizolo: The Wedding Singers… and Festival Headliners… and Private Function Faves…
Since time immemorial, or at least since the dawn of their “Khona” era, Mafikizolo has been a staple in Zimbabwe. If you haven’t seen them at a wedding, a corporate gig, or any random live event at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), do you even live in Zimbabwe? The Afro-pop duo, made up of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza, has graced stages from Harare to Bulawayo with such regularity that it’s become a running joke. Their energetic performances are undeniable, but so is their omnipresence. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have a favourite spot for gango you don’t know about.
Mi Casa: The “We’re Back!” Trio That Never Really Left
Remember when Mi Casa used to be a novelty? Those were the days. Now, it feels like J’Something and the boys are on a perpetual Zimbabwean tour. From the OGs such as Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) to the 7 Arts Theatre and Old Georgians Sports Club, Mi Casa has left their mark all over the capital. Promoters love them. The crowd loves them too. They just did the Jika at Zimstock in Harare this September. And while we appreciate their soulful house tunes and J’Something’s charismatic stage presence, and Mo T’s invaluable contribution to now banger ‘Horns in the Sun’, we have to ask: do they own property here yet? Given the frequency of their visits, it would just make financial sense.
Morda: The Other Half of Black Motion, Now a Full-Time Zim Groover
Morda, formerly of the acclaimed duo Black Motion and husband to DJ Zinhle, has seamlessly transitioned into a solo act that seems to have a residency in Zimbabwe. He’s been spotted behind the decks at a dizzying array of events, from the Jacaranda Music Festival and Queen of Hearts to gigs in Bulawayo and the passed Spring Fling at Hellenic. Promoters clearly have him on speed dial. His high-energy sets are a crowd-puller, but it’s getting to the point where a festival lineup feels incomplete without his name on it.
Sun-El Musician & Prince Kaybee: The Kings of “Will They or Won’t They Play a Good Set?”
This one is particularly baffling. Sun-El Musician and Prince Kaybee are phenomenal producers and DJs who have blessed us with countless hits. Yet, their performances in Zimbabwe have become a source of frustration for many(read as me). They are frequently on the bill, like Prince Kaybee’s appearance at the RSVP concert at Glamis Arena, which left me FOREVER scarred. From the heart-thumping “Banomoya” days at Vic Falls Carnival 2018 to Jacaranda and Fiesta Fiesta in 2022, he’s always here. Yet, every time he plays in Zim, it feels like he’s on autopilot. World-class producer, but when he touches Zim soil, it’s like he’s DJing for a family braai. Heartbreaking, really.The sets they deliver often feel like the bare minimum. Frankly, it’s a phenomenon that deserves academic study: why do two of South Africa’s most talented DJs save their most uninspired performances for their Zimbabwean fans? Despite this, the bookings keep coming. Must be nice.
The dominance of South African artists on Zimbabwean lineups is a long-standing topic of debate. While their popularity is undeniable, and they are fan favourites for a reason, one has to wonder if this reliance on the “safe bets” is stifling the growth of local talent. Are promoters collaborating to cut costs by booking the same artists? Or is it simply a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that these five artists have found a second home in Zimbabwe. So, we’ll say it again: just give them the land already. They’ve earned it.
