Carpe Diem Episode 3 proved to be a fitting and inspired way to celebrate Unity Day, bringing together music lovers in a relaxed, inclusive environment where sound, culture and togetherness took centre stage.
Hosted at the Old Hararians Sports Club, the event delivered a carefully curated musical journey that catered to diverse tastes, reinforcing the spirit of unity through shared experience on the dance floor.
True to the advertised programme, the show kicked off promptly at 12 noon, setting a professional tone that many patrons appreciated. As early arrivals streamed into the venue, DJ Young Vibes took control of the decks, warming up the crowd with an energetic yet measured set that matched the early-afternoon mood. His curtain-raising performance laid a solid foundation for the day, hinting at the memorable moments that would follow as the grounds steadily filled up.
One of the standout features of Episode 3 was the introduction of fresh talent alongside seasoned performers. DJ Goofie made his debut on the Carpe Diem stage and quickly justified his inclusion. His performance was a clear indication that the Ngoma Nehosho team remains committed to scouting quality talent, regardless of whether an artist is established or emerging.
The momentum continued with Reverb 7, widely regarded as one of the country’s most skilled deck masters. His set blended local dancehall with Afrobeat flavours, sending temperatures soaring and keeping the crowd fully engaged.
DJ Spunj, a familiar face who has been part of the Carpe Diem journey for the past three years, demonstrated noticeable growth and confidence. His ability to read the crowd and maintain high energy levels showed why he remains a firm favourite among regular attendees.
Guiding the day’s proceedings was Star FM personality DJ Moxinator, whose experience and charisma as master of ceremonies ensured smooth transitions between acts. One of the most anticipated moments came when he introduced DJ Made Her Believe, a crowd favourite particularly among the ladies. Opening with Tamia’s 90s classic “So Into You,” DJ Made Her Believe instantly struck a nostalgic chord. His hour-long set moved effortlessly across continents and eras, blending international hits with African rhythms in a way that felt seamless and deliberate, earning him one of the loudest responses of the day.
As the sun dipped lower, Zimbabwean international star DJ Bantu took over the decks, much to the delight of the audience. The multi-Grammy award winning producer and artist, known for his Afropop sound and work with international stars such as Jason Derulo and Camila Cabello, delivered a polished and confident performance that highlighted his global experience while keeping local fans firmly in mind. The crowd’s reception was a reminder of the pride many feel in seeing Zimbabwean talent shine on big stages.
The energy peaked further with performances from South African heavyweights. Lamiez Holworthy, who previously impressed Zimbabwean audiences at the Jacaranda Music Festival, once again left her mark with an explosive set complemented by her signature dance moves. DJ Morda followed suit, matching musical intensity with impressive footwork. Fellow South African acts, including Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin, stuck strictly to their homegrown sounds. While some attendees noted the absence of local tracks in their playlists, the overall quality of their performances remained undeniable. Thukzin’s set, which ended six minutes before his allocated time, left fans audibly pleading for just one more song.
As the event drew to a close, host DJ Mox hinted at an even bigger Carpe Diem Episode 4 slated for 2026. If the success and turnout of Episode 3 are anything to go by, anticipation will be high, with many predicting a swift sell-out and the possible need for a larger venue.
