By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If there was ever any doubt about who owns the stage in Zimbabwean music right now, Baba Harare just settled the debate — in spectacular fashion.
The “Reason Why” hitmaker delivered a masterclass in showmanship at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance national finals in Harare Gardens, leaving the crowd breathless and proving that jiti music is not just alive — it’s sexy, it’s electric, and it belongs to him.
From the moment he stepped onto the stage in a sleek all-black outfit, alongside his razor-sharp bandmates, it was clear this was no ordinary set. This was a statement.
Every song, every move, every note was meticulously choreographed to create what can only be described as an experience — earth, wind and fire, all rolled into one.
Song after song, Baba Harare never let up. No air gaps. No off-key moments. His vocals soared with the precision of a studio recording, his instruments locked in perfect harmony, and his energy? Absolutely relentless.
The highlight? When he went topless.
The crowd erupted. His adoring female fans screamed loudest, but honestly, everyone was on their feet. It was pure theatre, pure music, pure Baba Harare.
Tsa Tsa Tsa Takes Over
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his latest album “Pedzai Navo,” with the crowd eating up every single track. The standout moment came when he launched into “Tsa Tsa Tsa” — the song affectionately known as “Sis Viola” — as he belted out:
“Dzikorinde dzikorinde tsa tsa tsa . . .”
The crowd sang along word for word, dancing like there was no tomorrow.
The album itself is a powerhouse, featuring collaborations with some of the biggest names in the game: “Danga Remombe” with Nashie Zim, “Ndiyani Asingadi” with Runna Rules, “Don’t Tell Me” with Feli Nandi, and “Nevangu” with Sekuru Gudo and Frets Donzvo.
Here’s the thing about Baba Harare: when it comes to live performance, he makes it look easy. While some of his contemporaries — yes, even his former bandmate Jah Prayzah — can sometimes come across as if they’ve already arrived, Baba Harare is still hungry. Still pushing. Still giving everything.
And it shows.
His sound is so crisp, so perfectly executed, it feels like you’re listening to a CD. On key, on point, on fire. Even Winky D, the self-proclaimed King of Dancehall, doesn’t quite match the energy and precision Baba Harare brings to the stage.
If you ever doubted Baba Harare, think again. He isn’t just the next biggest thing — he might just be the biggest thing right now.
Harare Gardens witnessed something special. And if you weren’t there? You missed out.
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