By Marshall Bwanya
HARARE — Castle Lager is pulling out all the stops to mark the 10th anniversary of the Castle Lager National Braai Festival, with two of South Africa’s biggest music powerhouses, DJ Tira and Heavy K, set to headline the main event at Harare’s iconic Glamis Arena on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
This year’s celebrations go beyond just the big stage.
In the lead-up to the grand finale, Castle Lager has launched a series of “Micro Castle Lager Braai” events in 10 cities across Zimbabwe.
Each weekend, communities have been gathering to enjoy great music, sizzling braai, and the unmistakable taste of Castle Lager, creating a nationwide countdown to the festival.
Adding to the spirit of giving back, the brand is donating 10 hospital beds to a local hospital in every city hosting a micro event — a gesture that underscores Castle Lager’s commitment to communities that have supported it for more than 130 years.
The build-up leads to the highly anticipated main event, where DJ Tira and Heavy K will serenade festive goers with the Afro-House, and Gqom sounds that have dominated Southern Africa’s music scene for more than a decade.
Widely celebrated as the Drumboss, Heavy K makes a powerful return with his latest hit, “Kude”, featuring Ntando Yamahlubi and iconic musician Professor.
Kude meaning “very far” in isiZulu — is a heartfelt 3-Step love song that explores themes of remorse, reassurance, and resilience.
With Ntando Yamahlubi’s soulful vocals and Professor’s timeless Kwaito influence, the track is already resonating with fans across the region.
Alongside him, DJ Tira, the trailblazing Afrotainment boss and “Durban’s Number One,” is set to bring his high-energy performance to Harare.
With a career spanning over two decades, Tira has produced era-defining hits and shaped Durban’s soundscape with acts like Big Nuz, Dladla Mshunqisi, and Qwabe Twins.
His blend of Gqom, Kwaito, and Afro-House promises to keep Glamis Arena on its feet.
The festival’s lineup goes beyond South Africa’s giants.
Zimbabwe’s own hottest stars — Winky D, Nutty O, Tamy Moyo, Qounfuzed, Enzo Ishall, Master H, Saintfloew, and Nisha Ts — will share the stage, ensuring a cross-border celebration of music, food, and culture.
With its unique tradition of blending top-tier music with Zimbabwe’s beloved braai culture, this year’s Castle Braai Fest is set to be bigger than ever.
The Glamis Arena, with its 22,000 capacity and rich history of hosting landmark events, provides the perfect backdrop for a night that promises unforgettable performances, mouthwatering food, and the unifying spirit of Castle Lager.
Merry-goers are gearing up for a landmark celebration that promises to ignite the city with fire, flavor, and sound.
The Castle Braai Fest 10th Anniversary is more than a festival — it’s a cultural homecoming where music meets braai, and community spirit takes center stage.
With Glamis Arena as the backdrop, the night is set to etch itself into Zimbabwe’s festival history.
