Arts and fashion enthusiasts witnessed an electrifying fusion of fashion and music during the grand finale of Creative Economy Week 2025 by The British Council on Saturday, March 8th, at the Venue Avondale. The Music & Fashion Showcase, curated by Haus of Stone and Kay Media Africa, took center stage, offering a breathtaking display of talent from across the African continent. This one-of-a-kind event brought together emerging designers and music artists, embodying the essence of creativity, culture, and innovation.
The weeklong celebration of African ingenuity ended with a spectacular Fashion Meets Music event, where designers from Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and beyond showcased their masterpieces. As models graced the runway, the performances of the talented artists such as Masa Carolina, Tahle Wedzinza, and Indigo, accompanied by the dynamic Salt and Light dance group, amplified the energy and infused the atmosphere with artistic brilliance, leaving an unforgettable experience.
Prior to the grand showcase, the event hosted a series of engaging panel discussions during the day at the same venue in Harare. These discussions provided invaluable insights into the intersection of fashion, music, and economic growth.
The panel discussion on “Unlocking Worldwide Opportunities for Local Artists” focused on strategies for Zimbabwean artists to break into the global music industry. Hosted by Wendy Verwey Bekker, Regional Manager for Africa at Ditto Music, the session featured industry expert Mr Kamera, who shared insights on music composition and international success.
Another compelling discussion, “Moving the Industry Forward,” addressed the sustainable growth of the local music industry. Moderated by Star FM’s Senior Producer and Presenter, Iyati, the panel featured influential voices, including Fungai Kush Zvirawa, Founder and CEO of Khaya Defero, and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Director Napoleon Nyanhi, who discussed strategies to elevate Zimbabwe’s music landscape. It was a fully subscribed event that attracted different players in the music industry.
“Fashioning the Future” brought together 15 African designers for a deep dive into the diversity of African fashion. The discussion explored regional styles, opportunities for growth, and the potential for Pan-African collaboration to elevate African fashion on a global scale.
This was sealed by the grand Fashion Meets Music show. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Matobo fabric collection, a unique project crafted by Bulawayo fashion designers. This collection, celebrated for its artistic craftsmanship of the Matopos women, demonstrated the intersection of heritage and contemporary African fashion. The German Embassy on their Facebook page posted, “What a joy it was to witness growth in motion. Seeing our Arts beneficiaries evolve through our programs and showcase their transformed selves and works at Creative Economy Week 2025 in Harare was truly inspiring.
The celebration of creativity extended into Sunday, March 9, with the inaugural Proweb Fashion Business Event at Borrowdale Racecourse. For the first time, the Mashonaland Turf Club (MTC) hosted the prestigious Breeder’s Cup race meeting under the new branding of The Proweb Breeder’s Cup.
This historic collaboration between MTC, Proweb, Magitare Trust, the British Council, and UN Women paid tribute to International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate.” The event seamlessly blended sport, fashion, and empowerment, marking a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s creative economy.
The German Embassy, a key supporter of the event, took to social media to celebrate the success of Creative Economy Week 2025. In a Facebook post, they wrote, “What a joy it was to witness growth in motion. Seeing our Arts beneficiaries evolve through our programs and showcase their transformed selves and works at Creative Economy Week 2025 in Harare was truly inspiring. In line with this year’s theme, Growth Re-Imagined, we are proud to have played a significant role in placing people and their creative potential at the heart of sustainable growth. Here’s to more creativity, impact, and innovation!”
As the curtains closed on an inspiring week, Creative Economy Week 2025 solidified its place as a crucial platform for celebrating African artistic excellence, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth through fashion and music.