By Violet Chanakira
Girlfest Zimbabwe’s return to Harare is expected to provide more than entertainment, with the women-focused festival creating opportunities for musicians, DJs, food businesses, media personalities and other players in the creative economy.
The September 19 event, which will be held at Old Hararians Sports Club, is being staged under the “Rosa Riviera” theme and is expected to bring together music, fashion, food and culture.
The festival’s programme demonstrates the growing relationship between entertainment events and small businesses, particularly in the lifestyle sector.
Several food outlets are expected to operate at the festival, including RocoMamas, Chicken Hut, Jollof Junxion, Subs & Mo, Chicken Basket, Leekays Kitchen and Chicken House.
Their participation provides businesses with access to a concentrated audience while allowing festivalgoers to experience different food offerings without leaving the venue.
The entertainment programme similarly creates opportunities for local artists and DJs.
Takura, Saintfloew, Enzo Ishall and Atenda Chinx are scheduled to headline the festival, while MadeHerBelieve, Samuel Cosmic and KingHer are expected to take over the decks.
Media personality KVG will host the event.
The all-local lineup also highlights the ability of Zimbabwean festivals to build programmes around domestic creative talent.
Saintfloew joins the event following a UK tour and the launch of his “Ndo Ghetto Racho” album, while Takura comes off a headline performance at Unplugged. Enzo Ishall is a familiar name on the Girlfest stage, while Atenda Chinx represents the festival’s inclusion of emerging female talent.
For Girlfest, the creative economy element is closely connected to its identity as a women-centred lifestyle festival.
The event has been running annually since 2019 and is organised around the concept of creating a space where women can relax, socialise, enjoy food and music and make new connections.
The Rosa Riviera theme adds another commercial dimension by placing emphasis on fashion and visual presentation.
Inspired by the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez summers and colourful coastal aesthetics, the theme is expected to encourage attendees to engage with fashion and personal style while creating a strong visual identity for the festival.
Brutal Fruit returns as the cider partner, while Star FM is expected to broadcast from the event, adding further commercial and media exposure.
The festival therefore illustrates how Zimbabwe’s entertainment sector is evolving beyond stage performances into broader lifestyle experiences involving hospitality, food, fashion, media and brand partnerships.
Tickets for the September 19 event are currently being sold through selected Elixir outlets, Subs & Mo outlets in Greenfields and Joina City, as well as online via ClicknPay. Listings indicate general admission from US$15, with VIP tickets ranging from US$60 to US$80.
With the gates opening at midday, Girlfest is expected to offer businesses and creatives an extended platform to interact with audiences during a full day of entertainment and lifestyle programming.
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