MULTI-DISCIPLINARY contemporary artist Nasibo Mutize made a triumphant return to the Songs From A Room (Sofar) platform, joining three other talented acts for Sofar Sounds Harare’s 18th edition, held at Hogerty Hill in Borrowdale last Saturday.
Music enthusiasts, who follow the Harare chapter of the globally active music events startup, flocked to Tudor Valley Guest House to watch the carefully curated artist line-up.
This included spoken-word poet and writer Muvheneki, as well as musician, writer, and filmmaker Tomas Lutuli Brickhill of the punk-rock outfit Chikwata 263.
The other artist was award-winning environmental and health musician Dereck Mpofu, known for the Chisikana Changu Zimbabwe fame.
Since its inception in 2022, the concept has redefined the live music experience, offering fans exclusive and unpredictable adventures.
The guest house is located on the northern fringes of Harare. With its thickly thatched roof, it resembles an English countryside cottage, complete with 15th-century Gothic and Renaissance architectural features.
It stands on beautifully-maintained lawns, surrounded by tall msasa trees dotted around a beautiful garden, providing the multi-cultural audience with a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of music.
“I am glad I finally made it. I love the concept already — which is great — but to see it in real time truly fulfilled my expectations. I was lucky that Nasibo, one of my favourite musicians, was performing,” Katrin Simon, the head of culture at the German Embassy, told IndependentXtra.
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“I think having different artists on stage catered for everyone,” she added.
Mutize shared her excitement: “I absolutely loved connecting with the audience — the intimate vibe was incredible, and being surrounded by nature made it even more special. I am thrilled with how the audience responded; their energy was truly out of this world.”
With its invite-only approach, diverse line-up of surprise artists, and secretive venue locations, the platform has gained the admiration of audiences and artists alike.
Muvheneki, the first to take the stage, expressed his appreciation, saying that performing at Sofar had long been a dream.
“It’s an experience that will stay with me for years to come. Against the backdrop of rustling trees and birdsong, the atmosphere felt almost poetic in itself — an intimate and perfect setting to share my work. My deepest gratitude to the Sofar Sounds team for making this possible. To share my craft in such a setting was, quite simply, a dream come true.”
On the same day, Sofar events took place simultaneously in cities across the globe, including Patna (India), Gran Canaria, Madrid (Spain), Bamberg, Berlin (Germany), Paris, Toulouse (France), Lagos (Nigeria), Madeira (Portugal), and Kelowna (Canada).
To date, Sofar Sounds is active in 400 cities worldwide, hosting unique concerts that have launched the careers of renowned artists.
Notable performers who have graced the Sofar stage include English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and American musicians Leon Bridges and Billie Eilish — all of whom have gone on to receive prestigious award nominations and wins, including Grammys.
City curator Khumbulani Muleya revealed that plans to expand Sofar events across Zimbabwe are underway.
“We are happy to announce that Bulawayo will be the next city to host Sofar events. All preparations have been finalised, and we are eagerly awaiting the city’s debut.”
