With the weather trying to really ‘dampen’ moods, the majority of Harare’s fun lovers made their way to the Old Hararians Sports Club to be part of another record-breaking excursion. The Castle Lager Braai Day which was endorsed unanimously by the people as the national Braai Day was in full swing and the meat tossing had already begun by 10 am!
The heat from the 150 metres long braai stands line coupled by the fire lineup of artists known to serve heat only was enough reason for the revellers to come through wearing their summer outfits. Castle Lager pulled all the stops with a 150-metre bar that ensured a rather constant supply of alcohol which, however, had hiccups here and there as the crowd overwhelmed the extremely slow draught machines.
However, the mood and the need to break last years target of over 12 000 kilograms of meat kept the general mood jovial. The lineup which included heavyweights like Ammara Brown, Jah Prayzah, Judgement Yard and Winky D brought their A-game for this event. With a ticket booth step up from last year, Castle Lager made sure that they had a happy crowd which did not wait for a long time to gain entrance into the venue.
However, Jah Prayzah may have been a bit unfortunate with his band receiving a hail of missiles after they took long to set up as their leader was not at the venue yet. We do not condone these violent actions on our artists, but musicians should start valuing their fans and the effort they make to support their careers. Jah, however, got there and saved the day with his set managing to live up to peoples expectations. The next live performer was chanter Freeman who had a hard day in office and ended up on the receiving hand of a few bottles from the crowd.
Winky D the Gafa literally shattered the stage belting hits from his last year album.The energy that he brought to the stage left a lasting impression so much that Judgement Yard who shut down the event had a somewhat easy day in office.
A new record was set of over 15 000kgs which past through the special care of the Braai masters onto the plates eagerly awaiting revellers. With this new record, the Castle lager national Braai day has cemented its position as the premier barbecue event in Zimbabwe and has ensured an increased supply of meat to Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hospitals.