K-Pop Festival Zimbabwe 2024
Zimbabwe hosted its first ever K-Pop festival at The Venue in Harare on the 22nd of May 2024, courtsey of the Korean Embassy’s celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Zimbabwe. The event comes ahead of the Korea – Africa summit set to happen in June which is poised to pave way for a new future in the collaboration between Korea and African countries.
Before attending this event I had not fully appreciated how Zimbabwe has a vibrant K-Pop community. I mean yeah sure, the world knows BTS, if you are reading this and never heard of BTS I am mildly judging you. The only other K-pop group I know is Blackpink courtesy of my nieces who clogged up my YouTube Algorithim with the music…. It’s a pity that the festival was on a week night so I didn’t bring them along. I did not expect to find the The Venue a full house of people singing and dancing alone to the choregraphy…
Show me your K
The MC for the night was John Cole with co-host Zvashe holding down the lineup which included the dance groups, Extreme Dreamers and Salt & Light Chronicles enthralling the crowd.
Singer/songwriter and mbira player Hope Masike showcased her gwenyambira craft when she graced the stage to do a mbira accompaniment of Butter by BTS while the host with the most exhibited his dancing skills.
There was also a special Korean song performance with traditional Korean instruments and Korean booths that showcased Korean products such as the street food because whats culture without the food.
A breakdance team from Seoul, is scheduled to perfom in Zimbabwe in October and I can safely say that the K-pop culture in Zimbabwe is strong and they will fill up the venue.
It was a evening of dance, diplomacy, cultural fusion and good vibes.
Whats a K-pop event without a performance of the iconic record breaking track which is the most viewed K-pop song, Gangnam Style by PSY which raked over 5 billion views on the Youtube…
Becoming The Muse 
Your thoughts.. if you will?