Harare, Zimbabwe From the vibrant nightlife of Harare to the global stage, Zimbabwean DJ and producer Spunj, born Panashe Mbanje, is on a mission to amplify the city’s sound and place Zimbabwean amapiano and dance music firmly on the map.
With his breakout single “Pakawanda” and a string of collaborations on the horizon, Spunj is redefining what it means to be a DJ from Zimbabwe in 2025.
For years, Spunj has been a familiar name in Harare’s top nightlife spots such as Pablo’z and Karma, commanding dancefloors with high-energy, open-format sets that blend amapiano, Afrobeats, and soulful house. But as the crowds grew, so did his creative ambition. “I love dance music, I love amapiano and 3-step. Zimbabweans love it too,” says Spunj. “We just haven’t had a child of the soil pushing that sound the way our neighbours are.”
That vision led to “Pakawanda”, his breakout single with Denzel, a smooth, spirit-infused amapiano track that captures Spunj’s distinctive mix of rhythm and reflection. Rooted in Southern African rhythms and layered with mbira-inspired melodies and Shona vocals, the song is both a celebration and a statement, Zimbabwe’s heartbeat meeting the global amapiano wave.
From the Football Pitch to the DJ Booth
Before the bright lights of Harare’s nightlife, Spunj was chasing a very different dream — football. “I was supposed to sign in Europe, but COVID-19 ended those plans,” he recalls. “I felt stuck.” A cousin, fellow DJ Danny Vibes, gave him a shot behind the decks at Kirytan, and from there, everything changed. “He threw me in the deep end, but I didn’t drown. My first $30 tip made me realise I could really do this.”
Since then, Spunj has earned his place among Zimbabwe’s most versatile DJs, known for electrifying performances and a deep connection to his audience. His transition from DJ to producer marks the next phase of his evolution, one driven by creativity, faith, and purpose.
Faith, Rhythm, and Reflection
Faith is at the centre of Spunj’s artistry, literally and spiritually. The word “Faith” is tattooed on his neck, a daily reminder of his roots and resilience. “My mom always tells me, ‘Use your talent to minister to someone; you never know who’s listening,’” he says. “So even when I make music for the dancefloor, it has to speak to the soul.”
This blend of spirituality and groove is what sets him apart. His remixes of Takura’s “Hazvireve Rudo Handina” and Janet Manyowa’s “Somlandela” have become underground favourites, fusing gospel, house, and amapiano into something uniquely Zimbabwean.
A New Wave for Zimbabwean DJs
Spunj’s mission extends beyond his own music. He wants to shift how DJs are perceived in Zimbabwe — not just as entertainers but as full-fledged artists and producers. “In South Africa, you have Kabza De Small and Kelvin Momo headlining with their own music,” he says. “In Zimbabwe, DJs aren’t valued like that yet. I want to help change that.”
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Watching Kabza perform “Imithandazo” at Carpe Diem Festival became a defining moment. “He turned the whole place into a praise session. That’s the energy I want, people connecting spiritually through dance.”
What’s Next
With collaborations lined up with Takura, Janet Manyowa, Verseless, and Denzel, Spunj is gearing up for a major run leading into 2026. His ultimate dream? Performing at Afro Nation and Zimfest, bringing the Zimbabwean amapiano sound to international audiences. “I’ve closed my eyes and imagined it, crowd singing every word, volume down, that moment of connection. It’ll be spiritual and electric.”
“Pakawanda” means ‘it’s spread’, and that’s how I feel right now, like the sound, the vision, and the dream are spreading.”
About Spunj
Panashe “Spunj” Mbanje is a Zimbabwean DJ and producer known for fusing amapiano, Afrobeats, and soulful house with a uniquely Zimbabwean touch. His work explores the balance between faith and rhythm, spirit and sound — earning him recognition as one of Harare’s most exciting new music exports.
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Harare, Zimbabwe From the vibrant nightlife of Harare to the global stage, Zimbabwean DJ and producer Spunj, born Panashe Mbanje, is on a mission to amplify the city’s sound and place Zimbabwean amapiano and dance music firmly on the map. With his breakout single “Pakawanda” and a string of collaborations on the horizon, Spunj is
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