Teen Fest ZW brings more than 2,000 teenagers together for daytime entertainment

More than 2,000 teenagers attended the inaugural Teen Fest ZW at Borrowdale Race Course in Harare, as organisers introduced a daytime entertainment event focused on music, dance, creative activities and youth safety. The festival was held on August 22 and ran from 8am to 6pm.

The event brought together young people for live performances and a range of activities designed specifically for teenagers. Organisers said the daytime format was intended to give attendees an opportunity to socialise and enjoy entertainment while allowing them to return home within set curfew hours.

The music lineup included Young Gemini, Jnr Spragga, Atenda Chinx, Runna Rulez, Channelle Makanaka, Sane Wav, Noluntu J and Asaph Afrika. Their performances formed the main entertainment programme, with music and dance drawing crowds throughout the festival.

The event also offered activities beyond the stage. Attendees participated in sip-and-paint sessions, face painting, mascot appearances, the Coca-Cola Score and Win game, virtual reality games, arts and crafts, and exhibitions.

Event coordinator Tawanda Mutigwa said Teen Fest ZW was created to provide a dedicated entertainment option for teenagers and to promote responsible choices among young people.

“We are happy that youths had responsible fun without relying on alcohol or drugs as a source of pleasure or a coping mechanism,” Mutigwa said.

He said the organisers identified a gap in Harare's entertainment scene for events specifically designed for teenagers, particularly during the daytime.

“As Teen Fest ZW, we decided to fill that gap by creating a daytime experience running from 8am to 6pm, giving children and teenagers a safe environment to have fun while ensuring they can return home in good time. Child safety remains our priority,” he said.

According to Mutigwa, the turnout was particularly notable because several other events were taking place in Harare on the same day. He said Teen Fest ZW attracted more than 2,000 teenagers despite competition from around eight other events at different venues.

The organisers said the attendance showed strong interest in youth-focused entertainment and demonstrated that teenagers could enjoy large-scale events built around music and activities without adult-oriented entertainment.

Mutigwa also said the event received support from parents and the wider community. Organisers reported that no incidents or accidents occurred during the festival.

The festival's format has also attracted attention as a possible model for future youth events in Zimbabwe. By combining a fixed daytime schedule with entertainment and interactive activities, the organisers aim to create events that allow teenagers to socialise while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety.

Teen Fest ZW organisers are now looking ahead to a second edition planned for December, hoping to build on the response to the inaugural event.