The British Council and Magitare Trust recently hosted “The Acoustic Night Showcase,” a captivating event that brought together talented local creatives for an intimate evening of music, poetry, and performance. Held on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at The Oasis Creators Hub in Belmont, Bulawayo, the showcase marked the culmination of the Creative Economy Week.

The evening’s festivities kicked off with Carl Joshua Ncube’s hilarious stand-up comedy set, which left the audience in stitches. Tariro Magitare then took to the stage, delivering three stunning performances that showcased her incredible talent.

Nomazee followed with three beautiful songs, mesmerizing the crowd with her soulful voice. Sakhile, aka Kayla The Poet, moved the audience with her powerful poetry, while Emmanuel Benjamin, a skilled saxophonist and singer, serenaded the crowd with his impressive skills. Taffy’s keyboard accompaniment added an extra layer of depth to Benjamin’s performance.

Zarea, known for her “Hati tongwe neflue, performance” the last time she was at The Oasis, enchanted the audience with her silky voice and thoughtful song selection. Her performances of “Mwari” and “Ndiwe” were particularly well-received, with the latter prompting enthusiastic calls for an encore.

The evening’s spoken word segment was led by the world-renowned Sox The Poet, who delivered a captivating ensemble of poetry in both English and Ndebele. Sox, who is mentoring eight young girls in poetry, recited “Hypnosis,” “Ungubani,” and “Africanism,” showcasing his impressive range and skill.

The night drew to a close with a performance by S’coo, who delivered two newly released songs, as well as a heartfelt dedication to her late mother.

The Acoustic Night Showcase was a resounding success, celebrating the creativity and community that define Bulawayo’s vibrant arts scene. The event served as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of providing platforms for local talent to shine.