By Vincent Mungofa – Harare | December 15, 2025

HARARE – Persistent rainfall could not slow the momentum of the massively oversubscribed Mega Doek and Slay event held at Glamis Arena yesterday, as the show delivered a record-breaking turnout and reaffirmed its status as one of Zimbabwe’s biggest lifestyle celebrations. Thousands of women braved worsening weather conditions to attend what organisers proudly describe as the “Mother of All Parties.”

Despite the deteriorating conditions, the atmosphere remained electric as the crowd filled Glamis Arena, a venue significantly larger than Alex Sports Club, the traditional home of the all-women event. The last Doek and Slay edition at Alex attracted more than 25,000 women, but yesterday’s turnout surpassed that figure by a wide margin, underscoring the event’s rapid growth and strong brand loyalty.

However, the unprecedented turnout presented logistical challenges, prompting the organisers of the Harare Mega Doek and Slay to issue a public apology to VIP patrons following unanticipated congestion in the backstage area. In a statement released after the event, the Doek and Slay team acknowledged that attendance exceeded their planning assumptions, resulting in discomfort for some VIP guests, whom they affectionately referred to as their Queens.

“We had hoped to accommodate everyone comfortably, but unfortunately, the turnout exceeded our expectations,” the organisers said. “We understand that our VIP patrons deserve the best and we fell short of meeting those expectations.”

The team stressed that the situation was unintentional and expressed deep regret over the inconvenience caused, while emphasising that the overwhelming response reflected the growing popularity of the event. Despite the setback, organisers thanked attendees for their continued support, noting that the enthusiasm, resilience and energy of the crowd made the night memorable.

The star-studded event featured performances from some of Zimbabwe’s biggest music figures, including Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare, Nisha Ts and Alick Macheso, adding further prestige to an already high-profile gathering. Organisers described the Harare Mega Doek and Slay as an unforgettable experience made possible by the loyalty and passion of its patrons.

The Doek and Slay team pledged to address the shortcomings and improve the VIP experience at future editions, assuring guests that lessons had been learned. “We will make it up to you, big time,” the statement said.

Since its inception, the event has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent lifestyle and entertainment brands, commanding strong loyalty particularly among women. Organisers said they are confident that with improved arrangements, future editions will continue to raise the bar while maintaining the spirit that has made Doek and Slay a national phenomenon.