Best Songs About Harare

Harare is the major cultural, economic, social, financial and political hub of the beautiful teapot country of ours. As someone who has always been in an out (in mostly) of Harare for most of my life, I have over the years fallen in love with the city but I also have to admit it can be a handful. For first time visitors it can get too much, there is a lot of chaos in Harare, its beautiful in its own messed up way. The flashing lights are there, the never-ending parties are there, you get to people spending millions and see cars you only see on TV but there is also a lot of desperation and poverty.

Its no surprise that over the years several artists have tried their best to capture the energy of Harare in song. For anyone who has tried to do so, they can agree with me that its no easy feat so artists chose a few specific aspects to showcase at a time. Today will be sharing with you some of the songs that celebrate, warn and paint the picture of Harare the best. So after some time of browsing the internet these are some of the best songs about Harare;

Flying Bantu - Sunshine City

This is one super beautiful dedication to the capital. As the months go by and you have gotten used to the blinding lights and non-stop energy of Harare, you start to witness the vain side of the city. You get to realize that its also filled with people who are chasing their vanity, their own 5 seconds of fame, those who are searching for their pocket of gold. It has in some way became a place of material and vain priorities, many neglect personal relationships in search of that win. Its a city of over 2 million where you can feel lonely. This track paints such a clear picture of this state of the capital, if you are not careful the city will eat away your humanity. The production of this song is just beautiful, the arrangement also plays a part in painting the chaotic mood of Harare, Just beautiful. My favourite of all the dedications.

Mbira DzeNharira - Zvowoenda Harare

The iconic band delivered this lovely track where a parent is warning and advising their child who is moving to the capital of the many dangers, temptation, scams they are now going to face. The parents knowing they now cannot continue to watch over their child and have to let them go out into the world inform their ancestors of this move and ask for guidance and protection for their child. This is a good track for those who have just found employment in the city and want to be ready for the challenges and pitfalls that await them. 

Ammara Brown - Harare

On of Ammara's earliest tracks was a ode to the city that doesn't sleep; Harare. She paints a picture of the insane energy that is all over the capital, you can get into town at 21m and hear a hwindi shouting
"Mbare Mbare". I remember this other year on the popular end of Aug day where there will be many events that one can attend, we crossed the CBD at around 2am and there were so many people you would think maybe its rush hour.

Briss Mbada - Harare Hucci

This was probably the best track from the short-lived career of Briss Mbada. He dedicated this track to the Harare Ladies, their beauty, character and style. The track still sounds good even 9+ years later, great work by DJ Mbale. 

Bongo Maffin - Harare

The South African based outfit saw it fit to dedicate this track to the bustling capital of Harare. The track praises the energy, diversity and vibe of the capital city, once you have experienced the city it captures you in its spell and never lets you go. 

Andy Brown - Harare

Muzukuru as he was affectionately known also added dedicated a song to the Capital. He is singing about the resourcefulness of people in Harare, you can get anything fixed or any job done in Harare. He is also acknowledging the never ending activity in the city, people do not sleep in Harare. Andy Brown laced the track with his signature guitar work. 

Mango Groove - Harare

The Special Star hitmakers also saw it fit to add their own song about Harare. Its a City that captures your heart and will leave a lasting impression on you. The ensemble is saying Harare will forever be in our hearts. 

Tatea Da Mc - Htwn (t Crimson Blu)

This song at a time when local Hip Hop was starting to make its stand among the urban sounds and it was quite a big track at the time. The track celebrates the hustling nature of people in Harare, they are always on the move searching for that cash. Its a town that pushes you to hustle, otherwise you cannot survive in the capital. 

Claire Nyakujara - Harare

Claire is praising her home city of Harare, praising it because of its energy and diversity. She comes from the Mufakose, a ghetto in the western side of the CBD. 

Synik - Hamurarwe

Taken from the iconic Syn City project, regarded among the best ever hip hop projects from Zimbabwe. Synik delivered this ode to the capital in the best way he knows, slick rapping and superb storytelling. He is saying the City does not sleep (Hamurarwe), goons and hustlers are trying to win one over you, the ladies will be working their magic trying to get one over you and get by. Synik paints a grim picture of wealth inequality, corruption and desperation that one comes across in Harare, poverty on one side and extreme wealth and opportunities on the other side. 

MC Chita & Jnr Brown - H.R.E

This also came at a time when Hip Hop was still finding its feet. The track talks about how you need to be on your game in Harare or you will be left out, you will just be a spectator of  other who will be enjoying their lives. 

ProBeatz - Hairarwe

Probeatz also adds his voice to the city that does not sleep, he is highlighting the never ending hustling nature of people in Harare. Why sleep when you have no money in the pocket, when there are bills to be paid, when there are dreams to be achieved. He is also advising people of the many opportunists in the capital, who are waiting for an opportunity to rip you off. 

Myke Pimp - Harare Hairarwe (feat Maricahi)

Like with most tracks on this list this track also highlights that Harare never sleeps, there is always activity in the capital. The clubs will be packed, people spending cash in their favorite joints. 

Gemma Griffiths - City Life (ft Freshlikeuhh)

Taken from her 2022 EP titled  A Girl From Harare, this track celebrates the beauty of city life. She is not only celebrating Harare but all Cities in general, the allure, the mystery, the energy that one gets to enjoy when living in the city. Because of the title of the EP have just claimed the track to being about Harare. 

The list ends here!!! have searched quite wide and these are some of the best track about the capital Harare I managed to find, some I knew about them some were new. One major theme you get about Harare is that its the city that never sleeps, its one aspect nearly all the artists love about Harare, that you will not get bored, there will be something happening at any hour of the day. 

Which one is your favorite track about Harare???

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