SINCE its launch in Zimbabwe three years ago, Songs From A Room (Sofar) has resonated deeply with music lovers from all walks of life.
The global concert series continues to thrive, with the Harare chapter recently hosting its 19th edition on June 14 at the British Council in Belgravia — the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
Event organisers say the show, which featured five surprise artists, was a collaboration bridging Sofar’s global grassroots movement with Music Connects Africa’s mission to amplify emerging artists.
“This event perfectly demonstrated what Sofar Harare can achieve with the right support. We are grateful to the British Council and the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe for making it possible through the Music Connects Africa programme,” city curator Khumbulani Muleya said.
Formerly known as Scripts and Bars, the programme is part of a broader initiative by the British Council aimed at supporting African creative industries, with a particular focus on music.
It facilitates connections between creatives in Tanzania, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, bringing them in the same space with industry professionals based in the UK. It is delivered by Kay Media Africa, a local multimedia production studio and consultancy, in collaboration with Radio Reprezent, a UK-based youth-led radio station based in Brixton, South London.
With garden chairs, cushions, and blankets in hand, a diverse audience braved the chilly afternoon as they streamed into the garden — where they were greeted by vibrant paintings from renowned Zimbabwean visual artist Lin Barrie, displayed throughout the outdoor space.
Among the notable attendees were healthcare practitioner and ophthalmologist Solomon Guramatunhu, Zimbabwean lawyer and politician Fadzai Mahere, United States Embassy public engagement coordinator Butholezwe Nyathi, trade lawyer Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma, and musician Gemma Griffiths. British Council representatives Farai Ncube (Regional Arts Director for Africa) and Chipo Kanyumbu (Head of Arts) were also present.
- Sofar hits high note on the 19th edition
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The concert ably stirred by MC Michar Mushiko, featured a mix of artists from Harare and Bulawayo. Afro-jazz musician and guitarist Josh Meck made his third appearance on the platform, joined by jazz/mbira folk singer-songwriter-producer Raven Duchess — another Sofar alumnus with two prior performances.
The line-up also included afro-fusion/ afro-soul artist Danai Clay, as well as Bulawayo-based talents — storyteller, poet, filmmaker and writer Chioniso Tsikisai and international afro jazz and world musician Gog’ Bekezela.
“Sofar was a poet’s dream, an immersion in both sound, feeling, and expression,” Chioniso told IndependentXtra. The multi-disciplinary artist performed You and I, Morning After, 47 Jacarandas and also spiced her set with a medley of poems.
“I am currently working on a spoken word EP. I have a short film (Bureau De Change) that debuted in March. It was shortlisted in the Best Narrative category at the European Film Festival Bioskop Competition.”
Kanyumbu shared during an interview: “I was truly impressed by the outstanding organisation and performances at Sofar Harare. The energy, talent, and creativity on display were remarkable, with each act bringing something unique to the stage. Special thanks to the Music Connects Africa project lead, Kay Media Africa, The Embassy of Switzerland, as well as the Sofar Harare team for delivering such a memorable and professional event. It was a true celebration of a successful collaboration between artists, partners, and audiences. I was impressed by the dedication of the audience to brave the cold weather and attend in great numbers”.
Farai Ncube also emphasised that the lack of performance spaces and platforms continues to hinder artists’ ability to engage audiences, cultivate diverse followings, gain visibility, experiment creatively, build confidence, and entertain effectively. She noted that safe spaces for women artists remain particularly scarce.
“What I witnessed was the power of collaboration. Working together, as collaborators on our Music Connect programme, enabled new and thriving music artists to perform, to engage with a wide and new audience, and importantly, offer safety for women and young artists. Sofar Sounds is curated for a laid-back deep engagement and community building experience. I enjoyed the intimate, friendly, and escape experience,” she said.
Sofar Sounds brings its intimate concert experience to 400 cities worldwide and on the same day had similar shows taking place in Taipei (Taiwan), Lahore (Pakistan) Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Madrid (Spain), Berlin (Germany), Lima (Peru) and Guadalajara in Mexico.
According to organisers, Sofar Sounds will soon launch a Bulawayo chapter, with a date yet to be announced.
The new chapter will be led by hip-hop artist and mental health advocate Indigo Saint (real name Mzwakhiwe Ngwenya).
