The 21st edition of Sofar Harare was hosted at the residence of distinguished ophthalmologist Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu where artistry, poetry, and heritage converged in an intimate gathering attended by members of the diplomatic and cultural community.
Themed The Natural Hair Edition, the audience celebrated authenticity and African beauty, while exhibiting the role of creative expression in fostering dialogue across cultures.
Running from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the showcase followed a well-paced structure, with each artist allotted a 20-minute slot. This format ensured a rich and varied program that highlighted Zimbabwe’s depth of talent while keeping the audience engaged throughout the show.
The people that understood the assignment as advertised by the curator, Khumbulani Mleya. They arrived in an atmosphere that balanced elegance with cultural pride. Many women adorned their natural crowns, afros, curls, coils, braids and locs living embodiment of the theme. Beyond aesthetics, the celebration carried symbolic significance, encouraging pride in African identity and reaffirming cultural confidence in a globalized world.
In his welcome address, Dr. Guramatunhu emphasized the importance of embracing natural beauty over artificial alternatives. “Our natural hair is not just aesthetic, it is part of our cultural identity,” he remarked, drawing warm applause and setting the tone for an afternoon centered on authenticity and belonging.
The artistic bill opened with SkyBlue & Act, whose soulful vocals and acoustic guitar established a reflective mood. Tadana Nakai followed with evocative poetry on resilience and self-worth. A striking collaboration by CXXVII & Ngonie combined spoken word with dance, seamlessly blending rhythm and movement. The energy heightened when Trust Samende, acclaimed guitarist of the internationally recognized band Mokoomba, delivered a masterful performance that thrilled the audience. The finale came from Afro-fusion artist Mary Anibal, who incorporated the mbira into her set, merging tradition with modernity for a stirring close.
Adding a special touch, gifts were presented to women wearing their natural hair, a symbolic gesture of appreciation that amplified the event’s message of pride and authenticity.
The event was supported by enterprises advancing natural beauty and wellness, among them Optinova Eye Care Zimbabwe, Au Naturale Natural Hair Salon, BirdsNest, Mashonga Roots, African Crown, and AfroKink. Their involvement illustrated the synergy between cultural initiatives and local entrepreneurship.
Sofar Harare remains part of the worldwide Sofar Sounds network, which stages concerts in unconventional venues across hundreds of cities. On the same day, audiences in Bangalore, Bali, Dehradun, Bombay, and Plymouth also experienced Sofar showcases, reflecting the universality of music and its capacity to connect people across borders.
For Harare’s diplomatic and cultural community, this 21st Sofar edition offered a statement of heritage, unity, and authenticity and that cultural pride concontinues to play an essential role in building bridges of understanding.
