By Marshall Bwanya
HARARE — The Glamis Arena was set ablaze in celebration and song on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as thousands of Zimbabweans gathered for the 10th anniversary of the Castle Lager Braai Festival.
The event, which coincided with Castle Lager’s 130th year in Zimbabwe, was not just a party—it was a tribute to a decade of stories, friendships, and music that have shaped Zimbabwe’s modern cultural identity.
For many, the festival was a reflection of who they are and who they have become through shared fires, laughter, and good times.
Over the years, the Castle Braai Fest has grown from a social event into a national cultural phenomenon, a melting pot of art, music, food, and human connection.
What started as a simple idea of gathering around a braai stand has transformed into an institution that defines Zimbabwe’s urban social scene.
It is a space where people from all walks of life meet, where some find love, some build friendships and others explore business opportunities.
At the 10th anniversary, those ideals burned brighter than ever, reminding everyone that “it all comes together with a Castle.”
The 2025 edition was a sensory celebration of what makes Zimbabwean culture vibrant.
The air was filled with the smoky aroma of braaied meat, the pulse of dancehall and Afro-fusion beats, and the laughter of revellers basking in the glow of togetherness.
On stage, the country’s top acts, including Winky D, Nutty O, Enzo Ishall, Nisha Ts, and the Chillspot crew, delivered performances that transcended entertainment, becoming moments of connection and reflection.
Nutty O’s performance was among the night’s most memorable.
His soulful rendition of “Safe” resonated deeply with the audience, offering a subtle reminder of the struggles many face and the hope that follows perseverance.
In an interview after his performance, Nutty O explained the inspiration behind his song and the philosophy that drives his music.
“Safe is a household song. It’s something everyone connects to.
“Safe is a tool that every parent, every child, and every fan uses to get through the day,” he said.
“It’s not about just jumping up and talking nonsense.
“It’s about what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. What impact does it have on the listener,” added Nutty O.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey, Nutty O added, “The reason I’ve been consistent for the past ten years, my brother, is because of God, number one, and humility.”
“You have to know that you’re not the best. Don’t let fame get into your head.
“It’s not about popularity or clout; it’s about substance,” said Nutty O.
He smiled before continuing, “What I sing resonates. What I sing heals. What I sing teaches. It’s both education and entertainment at the same time. I call it edutainment.”
As Nutty O wrapped up his electrifying set, the Chillspot Family took over, with DJ Fantan, DJ Levels, and several other artists from the stable igniting the arena with soulful, high-energy performances.
Their act seamlessly paved the way for South African hitmaker DJ Tira, who kept the festive spirit alive with his infectious blend of Afro-House and Gqom — genres that have defined Southern Africa’s soundscape for over a decade.
Later, Winky D stormed the stage, commanding the crowd’s attention with his latest anthem, “Let’s Link Up and Drink Up,” sending fans into a euphoric sing-along.
The song became a shared mantra, a collective release that had thousands dancing, laughing, and singing along.
For a few minutes, the worries of economic struggles and everyday challenges melted away.
It’s more than a performance,” said one merry-goer, John Chipare.
“Winky D reminds us that no matter what we go through, we can always celebrate life together,” added Chipare.
Rising songstress Nisha Ts also left an indelible mark on the night.
After her energetic performance, she reflected on what the Braai Fest has meant for her career.
“The Castle Braai Fest has given us the opportunity to reach a wider audience and a bigger crowd.
“It’s also given us the chance to link up with bigger artists like Winky D, we get to mix, mingle, and explore opportunities for music collaborations,” she said.
For her, the festival was more than a stage, it was a springboard for artistic growth and networking.
Afro-pop sensation Amara Brown who had taken a break from the spotlight to focus on family said the Castle Braai Fest was desirable platform to rekindle her romance with her fans.
“It was so beautiful, I looked out and I saw my fans ,and I connected like eye to eye.
“That monent was so special for me, when hey sing back your music,” said Brown.
But the Castle Braai Fest isn’t just for the performers, it’s equally about the people who attend.
The atmosphere this year was electric, but it was also deeply communal.
As Tinashe Makwara, a regular attendee, observed, “Yes, the Castle Braai Fest was a great place to foster new business relationships as well as strengthen existing ones.”
“The early midday start time gives people ample time to socialise on the sidelines of the show over a drink or a meal before the hustle and bustle of the main acts in the night-time.
“Great business and personal relationships are built this way,” he added.
Makwara went to say that “the performances also provided excellent entertainment, with some of the biggest acts in the country gracing the stage and performing their biggest hits, giving the crowd both nostalgia and a chance to relive memories connected to past hits.”
For merry goer Antony Zhuang, the festival represents a vital hub for creative growth.
“The Castle Braai Fest went beyond my expectations in creating a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration.
“It was inspiring to see artists, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and audiences engage meaningfully, exchanging ideas, forming partnerships, and exploring creative opportunities.
“The event truly stood out as a hub for innovation, connection, and growth within Zimbabwe’s creative sector,” he said.
That spirit of connection was echoed by Ilah Ratidzo Mudari, who praised the festival’s diversity and inclusivity.
“The festival exceeded my expectations in fostering new business relationships and synergies.
“It brought together a diverse group of people, from artists to entrepreneurs, and provided a platform for meaningful connections,” she said.
However, she added candidly, “the sound system was not on point this year.”
Ruvarangu Mhara described the festival as “way bigger and lit,” highlighting the festival’s true magic lay not just in the music or food, but in the spirit of unity it inspired among Zimbabweans.
“The Castle Braai Fest didn’t just bring people together; it created an atmosphere where authentic connections could flourish.
“I left the festival feeling inspired and connected to a broader creative community that shares a passion for Zimbabwean culture and growth,” said Mhara.
For many, the Braai Fest has become more than just an event, it’s a fixture on Zimbabwe’s social calendar.
As Precious Netsai Masakara noted, “For me, the Braai Fest created a bigger opportunity for artists.”
“The stage was shared by young artists like Nisha Ts and the bigger boys like Enzo and Winky D.
“It gave hope to the young artists that they can become as big as the others.
The Fest also brought back ‘forgotten artists’ like Ammara Brown, her performance left the audience wanting more,” said Masakara.
As the night drew to a close, the fireworks lit up the Harare skyline, a dazzling spectacle that symbolised ten years of shared memories and collective triumph.
The explosions in the sky mirrored the energy on the ground, where strangers had become friends, and artists had become household names.
Despite challenges along the way, the Castle Braai Fest has remained true to its essence — a celebration of music, food, and fellowship that transcends barriers and unites people.
For ten years, it has reflected Zimbabwe’s heartbeat — a space where the nation’s struggles, aspirations, and joys meet under one sky.
Through rhythm, flame, and laughter, it continues to prove one enduring truth that echoed across Glamis Arena as the last notes faded into the night: “It all comes together with a Castle.”
