By Staff Reporter
Harare, (New Ziana) -Epic! This aptly sums up the 2026 Castle Lager National Braai Festival, which was held at Glamis Arena in Harare on Saturday, attracting thousands of revellers for a celebration of music, food and entertainment.
The annual gathering delivered value for money, with local musicians serving up an exciting mix of performances that kept the crowd entertained well into the night.
In a notable shift from previous editions dominated by established headline acts, a new crop of youthful artistes rose to the occasion, with Nutty O, Tamy Moyo and Pumakol among those who made a strong impression.
The performers treated revellers to popular, sing-along tracks that resonated with the massive crowd, creating an atmosphere of excitement and participation.
Popular hypeman DJ Fantan also proved equal to the task, keeping the audience engaged with a carefully selected playlist of party anthems that maintained the festival’s momentum.
His set was particularly refreshing as he brought artistes from his Chillspot Records stable onto the stage, giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent to the enthusiastic audience.
Among them was Ndunge Yut, who capitalised on the occasion by performing familiar tracks that connected with revellers. His association with the Mbare-based Chillspot stable has helped raise his profile and expand his reach among music fans.
Enzo Ishall, another artiste whose career received a significant boost through the Chillspot stable, also delivered a solid performance, adding to the festival’s musical highlights.
However, it was dancehall heavyweight Winky D who provided one of the night’s most memorable moments when he took to the stage in the early hours of Sunday.
Clad in a red jacket, black shirt, black trousers and matching shoes, the Gafa demonstrated why he remains one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated live performers, turning the massive audience into what resembled a high school choir.
On three occasions, he played the introductions to popular songs before allowing the crowd to take over the choruses, with thousands of voices singing in unison.
The moments underlined his ability to read the mood of an audience and deliver the songs his fans wanted to hear, turning his performance into a collective musical experience.
Winky D’s appearance provided a fitting highlight to an event that showcased both established performers and emerging talent, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Zimbabwean music.
Beyond the performances, the festival provided a platform for revellers and food enthusiasts to enjoy the braai experience in a lively social setting.
Unlike some major gatherings that have been marred by disturbances, this year’s festival passed without reported crowd trouble, allowing attendees to enjoy the entertainment and food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, the Castle Lager National Braai Festival delivered a memorable celebration of music, food and socialising, with the performances of the youthful artistes and Winky D’s crowd-pleasing set among its standout moments.
New Ziana
