Zee Nation Fest 2025: A night of beats, besties and media blues

Jiyawa La! Ziwa Mo! Shwashwi's got tea on Zee Nation Fest 2025, and honey, it's a mixed bag of vibes and gripes. Held on Women's Day, August 9, at Johannesburg's Nasrec Expo Centre, this day-to-night music extravaganza hosted by Africa's number one female disc jockey, DJ Zinhle, was billed as the ultimate celebration of music, youth culture and women's empowerment. And for the most part, it delivered, but not without some serious side-eye moments.

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The festival, marking DJ Zinhle's 21-year milestone in the music industry, was a magnet for party goers across South Africa. With a stellar lineup featuring heavyweights such as Oskido, Lady Du, Zee Nxumalo, Nadia Nakai, Nkosazana Daughter, and DBN Gogo, the energy was electric. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Somizi Mhlongo and Moozlie, the crowd was hyped from noon to the early hours of August 10.