January in Harare usually slows its pulse. The festive dust settles, showbiz takes a breather, and most creative and corporate teams retreat into strategy rooms, proposals, and planning decks. Award season stretches its limbs slowly, February flirts with romance, and real momentum typically returns closer to March or April.

But for Rutendo Jackie, January told a different story.

Through her warm and consistent partnership with the beloved Chop Chop – Herbert Chitepo Grill & Bar, the new year flowed seamlessly from celebration into continuation. A meeting point for those wrapping up holidays in style and those already stepping boldly into the year, Chop Chop proved once again why it remains one of Harare’s most vibrant cultural hubs.

From breakfast meetings to lunch crowds, sundowners, dinners, and nightcaps, Chop Chop hums all day and well into the night. It has hosted countless business conversations, friendships, dates, professional engagements, and of course, its now-signature live music experiences on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Good food, great vibes, music for the soul, beverages, desserts, and most importantly, people – a true reflection of Harare’s rhythm.

A household name by now, Chop Chop has become a familiar and fitting stage for Rutendo Jackie, who graces it throughout the year with her eclectic Afro Jazz and culturally rooted performances.

On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the first Wednesday of the year, Rutendo Jackie delivered nothing short of a masterclass.

A joyful, animated crowd gathered to enjoy their favorite meals, sip on carefully poured drinks, and immerse themselves in a four-hour full-band performance that felt almost superhuman. By the end of the night, close to 30 songs had filled the room – a rich tapestry of traditional Zimbabwean music, Afro Jazz, folklore, and contemporary blends, gently seasoned with shebeen energy, Amapiano, House, and Urban Soul.

Fan favorites like Zarurai Nzira, Chawapihwa, Kwamutare, Usandisiye, Nhemamusasa, Moto Moto, and Ixesha kept audiences on their feet, singing, dancing, and leaning fully into the experience. Rutendo Jackie’s crowd engagement – effortless, warm, and deeply human – turned a midweek outing into a shared celebration.

“Starting the year on such a high note in the midweek is a special treat. It sets the tone of what is coming as we are officially well on our journey to Zindoga The Album, set to drop in the coming weeks. The energizing response from the audience, seeing them dance and stay on their feet, was a major high for me,” said Rutendo Jackie.

The night marked more than just a performance – it was a statement.

“It’s a perfect start to the year, and I look forward to serving more Rutendo Jackie live performance experiences to audiences in Zimbabwe and beyond in 2026. Here’s to gracing many stages — of all sizes and across all walks of life. We are here as the answer as long as the question needs authentic Zimbabwean music,” shared Diana Elisha Nheera, The Talent Whisperer, Anthem Factory.

As the year opens its pages, Rutendo Jackie stands firmly rooted, musically expansive, and ready to carry Zimbabwean soundscapes into intimate rooms and grand stages alike.