Last Friday, Bulawayo’s hip-hop heartbeat grew louder as Bigger Than Hip-Hop made its highly anticipated comeback with a Pop-Up Party at BAC Leisure. Curated by Ambush Entertainment and hosted by POY (Proud of You), the event proved why this platform has long been a pillar of the city’s music and urban culture.

Since its launch in 2013 at the Amakhosi Theatre Centre—later moving to Cape to Cairo—Bigger Than Hip-Hop has been more than just an event. It’s a cultural movement that has nurtured and launched the careers of local stars like AWA, the late Cal_Vin, Asaph, Young Stan, Thabbz, Rizzla, Thorne, P to Da O, K.L.A.P. Movement, MC Tytoh, Orthodox Six, and Floppy X, just to mention a few. For over a decade, it has given artists a stage to hone their craft while keeping the city’s creative energy alive.

The Pop-Up Party offered a vibrant mix of music, dance, and fashion, staying true to the event’s reputation as more than just a concert. The performances were electric and diverse:

Asaph, POY, Christ JP, Frost, and Kings Dance Crew wowed the crowd.

M.U.S.E., Indigo Saint, Brintz, Lynden, Wreckersvale Crew, Nsizwa Black, Yung Reece, Kereng, Kevin Frost, Kidding Kir, and Kid Thrill all brought their A-game, showcasing Bulawayo’s rich talent pool.

The Whine Queens kept the energy high with captivating dance moves.

A modelling segment added a stylish flair, as models strutted their looks in true urban fashion spirit.

On the mic, Dee Moses, a Sky Metro FM radio personality, served as the MC, keeping the audience hyped and engaged throughout the night. Mark Vusani also jumped on the decks to deliver some fire sets, completing the high-energy atmosphere.

Speaking about the revival of the platform, POY shared:

“It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop is a showcase platform designed to give hip-hop artists a space to sharpen their performance skills. It’s also about passing on knowledge to the next generation, keeping the culture progressive and collaborative.”

The event also connects artists, brands, and communities, creating opportunities for collaboration and endorsements. With support from other local hip-hop movements like For The City, No Heeps, Hip-Hop Power Fest, and Wreckersvale, Bigger Than Hip-Hop continues to uplift the city’s creative ecosystem.

As Bulawayo ushers in the summer, the Pop-Up Party was a powerful reminder: Bigger Than Hip-Hop is not just a show—it’s a living, breathing celebration of urban culture, music, and community.