By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Glamis Arena was transformed into a shimmering epicenter of cultural diplomacy on Thursday as Zimbabwe hosted the inaugural Dzoka Festival. Far more than a mere musical concert, the event served as a high-octane MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) powerhouse, specifically engineered to engage the Zimbabwean Diaspora and catalyze domestic tourism interest.
In a stunning display of “soft power,” the festival underscored why Zimbabwe has been crowned Forbes’ #1 must-visit tourist destination, proving that the nation’s allure extends far beyond the majestic Victoria Falls into the very heartbeat of its urban culture.
The atmosphere was electric, characterized by a ” mecca of rhythmic scenery” that defied the traditional mid-week slump. Despite the Thursday scheduling and a premium entry barrier—with the lowest tier tickets pegged at $30 USD—the Arena reached maximum capacity.
This was a testament to the destination loyalty of the Diaspora, with travelers flocking from the UK, Canada, Germany, the USA, Australia, and South Africa. For these returning citizens, the festival was a sensory homecoming, a curated experience designed to bridge the geographical gap through the universal language of melody and “vibe.”
The stage was a battlefield of talent. Saintfloew delivered a magnetic, high-energy performance that resonated with the demographic’s craving for authentic local narratives, while DJ Maphorisa imported the sophisticated Amapiano textures of Mzansi, sending the audience into a choreographed frenzy.
The magnificence in local icons like Nisha Ts and Volts created a rich tapestry of sound that showcased Zimbabwe as a premier entertainment hub within the SADC region.
Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, emphasized that the festival is a strategic pillar in the government’s diaspora engagement policy.
“We are excited to host our Zimbabweans from the Diaspora, encouraging them to develop interests in our local products and newest tourism tastes,” he remarked, highlighting the shift toward experiential tourism.
As the festive season reaches its zenith, the Dzoka Festival has set a new benchmark for event-led tourism. It proved that the modern traveler seeks more than just landscapes; they seek “The Experience.”
By fusing world-class entertainment with heritage pride, Zimbabwe is not just inviting the world to visit—it is inviting them to belong. As the sun sets on this historic Thursday, the message is clear: Zimbabwe is open, the rhythm is infectious, and the “goodies” of Forbes’ top destination are ready for the world to taste.
