By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
In what is shaping up to be one of Zimbabwe’s biggest musical showdowns, the highly anticipated “One Big Party” New Year’s Eve concert featuring Jah Prayzah and Winky D has been moved from Harare’s Hockey Stadium to the spacious Glamis Arena, organizers confirmed.
The switch, announced by show promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions, comes as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
Chipaz said the change was essential to ensure adequate space for tents and shelter for thousands expected to attend the star-studded 31 December 2025 event.
“The rainy season is in full throttle, so we needed a venue that can accommodate tents and still give fans enough space,” Chipaz explained.
Foreign Influencers Stir Conversation
Chipaz Promotions has also drawn attention for using foreign influencers to promote the show — a strategy some fans questioned. But Chipaz said the move was deliberate.
“They have a huge following locally. We always want to lead and be pacesetters,” he said, defending the promotional approach.
A Concert Meant to Unite, Not Divide
While anticipation is high, the concert also carries undertones of perceived political polarization among fan bases.
Social media debates often frame Jah Prayzah as sympathetic to the ruling party, while Winky D is viewed by some as a government critic.
However, neither artist has ever publicly declared allegiance to ZANU PF, CCC, MDC or any political outfit. Their art, fans argue, often becomes politicized by external observers.
Observers say the concert offers an opportunity to bridge fan communities rather than deepen imagined divides.
A Stage Strategy to Avoid “Who Opens for Who?” Drama
One of the biggest talking points among fans is how the two megastars will share the stage without creating tension or perceptions of hierarchy.
Entertainment analysts have suggested an innovative setup that avoids the sensitive “curtain raiser” debate:
Start with a neutral supporting act at 9 PM
At 10 PM, Winky D and Jah Prayzah perform one impromptu collaboration
Toss a coin to determine performance order
The first artist performs a one-hour set
The second does the same
Both return to “patch up” any songs or requests
Close the night with a joint final performance
The proposed setup is being praised by fans as a fair, symbolic, and unity-driven concept that emphasises music over imagined rivalries.
Fans Want Their Favourite Hits — and Nothing Less
The show has also sparked playful fanaticism online, with some fans declaring that they only want exactly ten songs from each artist — no fillers, no experiments.
For many, the night will only be complete if both stars deliver their biggest anthems.
Glamis Arena Set for a Historic Night
With two of the nation’s biggest performers on one stage, a strategic venue upgrade, and buzz building across Zimbabwe and beyond, “One Big Party” is set to close 2025 with a firework of talent, energy and entertainment.
Whether fans come for Jah Prayzah’s polished contemporary sound or Winky D’s lyrical fire, New Year’s Eve promises to be unforgettable.
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