While the rest of Harare is nursing cups of coffee and dreading the start of the work week, a different kind of energy is pulsing through Machipisa. At Club Zone, Monday night isn't for sleeping it’s for "Babarasi."

Dubbed by locals as "Babarasi Monday," Club Zone has cemented itself as an anomaly in the capital’s nightlife scene: it is the only establishment in Harare packed to the rafters on a Monday night.

The phenomenon, known as Babarasi (street slang for ‘curing a hangover’), has turned the Burombo Road venue into a cult destination. Revellers insist that the only way to cure the weekend’s fatigue is to keep the party going, and Club Zone has become the unofficial headquarters for the "hair of the dog" philosophy.

The atmosphere inside is electric, defying the logic of a standard weekday. DJ decks spin a heavy rotation of Amapiano and ZimDancehall, the braai stands smoke well into the night, and the car park is a chaotic mosaic of luxury SUVs and local taxis—a testament to the club's ability to pull crowds from both the posh northern suburbs and the local ghetto.

As the festive season approaches, the crowds have only swelled, with patrons using Mondays as a warm-up for the rigorous partying schedule of "KeDecember."

We spoke to four revellers amidst the thumping bass to understand why they choose Club Zone on a Monday, and what they are expecting this festive season.

The "Soft Life" Seeker Tinashe "T-One" Mambo, 28, Car Dealer "My brother, in this town, the weekend ends when you say it ends. I spent Saturday and Sunday at weddings and family gatherings, so Monday is actually my time to unwind with the boys. We call it ‘Babarasi’ but really it’s just a lifestyle. We are already in the festive mood. If the energy is this high in November, imagine December 25th! I’m looking forward to the ‘All White’ parties; Club Zone always delivers the best DJs for the shutdown."

The Diaspora Returnee Chido "Chi-Chi" Gweshe, 32, Nurse based in the UK "I just landed three days ago and my cousins told me, 'If you want to see the real Harare, we go to Machipisa on a Monday.' I didn't believe them, but look at this place! It’s packed! In the UK, Monday is for freezing at the bus stop. Here, it’s a vibe. I’m here for the whole of December, and I plan to be at Club Zone every Monday. I want to hear the new Jah Prayzah tracks on a proper sound system, not headphones."

The Hustler Blessing "Ghetto Yut" Moyo, 24, Entrepreneur "Monday is a working day for office people, not for us. We hustle 24/7, so when we make a sale, we celebrate. Club Zone is the only place that respects the hustle on a Monday night. You can’t find this vibe in Borrowdale. The festive season is going to be crazy here. I’m waiting for the big artistes to pass through. Last year the stage was on fire, this year we want more fire. No sleep until January!"

The Loyal Local Mai Tino, 35, Machipisa Resident "This is our home ground. We don't need to drive into town to have fun. Babarasi Monday is a tradition now. It cures the Sunday headache so you can face Tuesday properly. For the festive season, I’m just looking forward to the unity. You see people from Glen View, Highfield, and even Avondale all dancing together. That’s the Christmas spirit we want. As long as the beer is cold and the music is loud, we are happy."