The Zimbabwe Sphere

Flowers for King Kandoro’s Unplugged 3.0, proof that Zimbabwe can do big events without SA artists as headliners By @HillaryTakudzwa & @TawandaIsMyName For starters, we do sincerely hope that our headline here does not make people apoplectic. There is enough justification why we chose such wording. King Kandoro's third edition of Unplugged sold out First Capital Bank Sports Club on an all-local lineup and it's time somebody said so properly. We will circle back to this very important aspect later on in this piece. On Saturday, 29 August 2026, at First Capital Bank Sports Club, Unplugged came back (the last edition had been in March) and by the time the night wrapped, King Kandoro and his team had answered a question the industry keeps sidestepping: can an all-local lineup actually sell out a show? The ground was packed to the brim. The tickets were gone. Flowers are owed, so here they are. @KingKandoro and his team proved, definitively, that an all-local lineup can sell out a ground—even if the wider industry still needs more artists to lock in and build that kind of value consistently for it to be lucrative every time out. We have been waxing lyrical about all the performances of the day in this piece, and justifiably so. The point being that there is no need to have South African artists as headliners for big shows all the time (key emphasis here being 'all the time,' kindly take note of that). READ MORE: zimsphere.co.zw/2026/09/flow…

Antum Naqvi makes his long-awaited Zimbabwe Test debut Belgian-born all-rounder Antum Naqvi is finally set to realise his ambition of representing Zimbabwe at Test level after being cleared to play for his adopted country. The 26-year-old has been included in Zimbabwe's squad for their two-match Test series against Afghanistan, which begins on Thursday in Sharjah. Naqvi is of Pakistani descent, and he moved to Australia as a kid when his family relocated there. Naqvi's inclusion marks the culmination of a lengthy eligibility process that has delayed his international career despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket. Having played in Zimbabwe since 2023, Naqvi has now met the ICC's eligibility requirements, opening the door for a much-anticipated international debut. The all-rounder has built an impressive record in Zimbabwe's first-class competition, averaging 60.35 with the bat in 24 matches. He made history in 2024 when he became the first player to score a triple-century for any team in Zimbabwe, smashing an unbeaten 300 for the Mid-West Rhinos against the Tuskers. Naqvi has since accumulated six first-class centuries and eight half-centuries, while also claiming 62 wickets, underlining his credentials as a genuine allrounder. His international prospects have, however, been repeatedly frustrated by administrative hurdles. He was initially called up for Zimbabwe's T20I series against India in July 2024, but his participation depended on the resolution of his passport status. At the time, he had applied for Zimbabwean naturalisation. A similar situation arose in October 2025 when he was called up for a Test against Afghanistan but remained unavailable because the necessary documentation had not been finalised. As recently as June this year, Zimbabwe Cricket was still awaiting confirmation of his eligibility. That uncertainty appears to have finally been resolved, with Zimbabwe Cricket confirming on Wednesday that Naqvi has been cleared to represent the country. He now has an opportunity to translate his domestic dominance onto the international stage, potentially making his Test debut against the same opposition that featured in his previous unsuccessful call-up. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Brian Bennett will captain Zimbabwe in the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava, who continues to recover from a back problem. Bennett will have the experience of former captains Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor in the batting department, alongside Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Zimbabwe's pace attack will also be without Tanaka Chivanga, but Blessing Muzarabani remains available, supported by Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu and uncapped fast bowler Ernest Masuku. Legspinner Graeme Cremer has also earned a recall after nearly nine years away from Test cricket. His last appearance came in a day-night Test against South Africa in December 2017. The 40-year-old has remained involved in Zimbabwe's recent white-ball campaigns and brings valuable experience of playing in the UAE, where he has lived for several years. Cremer joins Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Naqvi among Zimbabwe's spin options as the team prepares for the two-Test assignment.

South African Vocalist NAE(SA) Joins Dr Feel’s Zimbabwean Afro House Compilation Inner Visions The compilation features an interesting mix of established names and emerging talent, including Nitefreak, DJ Stavo, Ash T, DJ MidTempo, HALU!, Ryan Synth, MIčI, Reverb, TAPIWA and Simbai, among others. While Zimbabwean artists have continued to make their mark on the international Afro House scene, Inner Visions seeks to bring that talent together under one project, highlighting the diversity of sounds and creative approaches within the country's growing scene. NAE (SA)'s involvement also speaks to the musical connections between Zimbabwe and South Africa, particularly in a genre where collaborations regularly transcend national borders. Read more: zimsphere.co.zw/2026/10/sout…

One Giant Picnic debuts in Mutare as it spreads wings From a small gathering of friends in Harare to a growing community beyond the capital, One Giant Picnic is bringing its outdoor experience to Mutare for the first time on November 1, with music, live performances and activities lined up for the audiences at Azalea Hill Gardens. Set for November 1 at Azalea Hill Gardens, the picnic marks another step in the event’s growth as it continues to reach new audiences after editions in Harare and Bulawayo. In an exclusive interview with the founder and creative director Desmond Tapfuma, he said that the idea has always been bigger than putting together a music event but is about creating spaces where people can connect beyond their everyday routines. “We live in a world where we are constantly connected digitally but don’t always spend enough time connecting in person,” Tapfuma said. “One Giant Picnic is an excuse to slow down, get outside, meet people and enjoy the simple things. The music is important, but the people are the real point.” For its Mutare debut the audience can expect a day of live performances, DJs, games, food and opportunities to meet new people. Fresh from dropping one of the biggest album in 2026 Mugaratia will be the headliner and is set to perform with his live band. The line up will also include some of the country's finest selectors, DJ Mimi highly regarded for her deep, hypnotic afro-house, Mindless, BRZE, DJ Patch and the duo and curators of Backyard, Pop Maddawgs, bringing different sounds to the gardens. READ MORE: zimsphere.co.zw/2026/10/one-…

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