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Dr Karikoga Kaseke

From Melissa Mpofu in Harare
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) may attract three million people when they host the Harare International Carnival street party on Saturday if the euphoria and bumper crowds being witnessed at block parties and other activities are anything to go by.

Activities to promote the event are being held daily in different areas to inform and educate people about the event that is meant to unite people through music and dance. Some of the promotions have been done in Mutare and Masvingo with the hope to attract locals from other parts of the country and also get the whole country into a carnival mood.

During the promotions, star performers including the likes of Jah Prayzah, Bev and Seh Calaz are entertaining crowds and block parties are being held to add icing onto the cake. A visit to some of the parties and nightspots in Harare showed that it was indeed carnival time as popular spots like Zindoga, The Legends bar and Tshisa Nyama were packed to the rafters. What is making the parties more exciting is that artistes are appearing at different parties on one night and not performing for a long time as they want to tease and hype up people for the carnival concert and the ultimate street party on Saturday.

Also, attending the parties is free of charge so it is also an opportunity for people to watch their artistes in action free of charge.

Interestingly, a Passa Passa block party in Mbare on Monday attracted hundreds of people who partied into the wee hours of Tuesday as if it was a weekend. Different established Zimdancehall artistes as well as up-and-coming ones took to the stage and received thunderous support from the hundreds who attended.

ZTA chief executive officer, Karikoga Kaseke urged people to attend the block parties saying they had been set up for people to enjoy themselves.

“This is a happy week and these are notes we took from the carnivals in Brazil. Some of the parties go throughout the night and this is the only time people can be merry without worrying about the police – our partners who’ll actually be there guarding them and ensuring everything is going on well,” said Kaseke.

“The city council has also allowed people to drink at block parties which will go on until the end of the week, but anyone who attempts to do so after the carnival will be arrested.”

On Friday, more entertaining activities have been lined up and chances are high, people will have difficulties selecting which event to attend. Three major events – Samba Night, Rhumba Night and the Zimdancehall Fiesta have been lined up for Friday after the Samba Night which was initially slated for today was postponed because of the Brazilians and Cubans change of arrival dates.

Kaseke said it was good that the three key events were being held on the same day as it would give carnivalists a wide selection of entertainment.

Tonight, a carnival welcome reception will be held at the Rainbow Towers to welcome delegates and carnival participants.

ZTA spokesperson, Sugar Chagonda said he was happy with the support they were getting from locals.

“The carnival is being held to get people into a celebratory mood, allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity. This is why the City of Harare has allowed people to imbibe at designated block parties as they appreciate what we’re trying to achieve by hosting the carnival,” said Chagonda.

“So far, the turnout at road shows and block parties has been impressive, an indicator that come Saturday when we host the carnival street party – people will come out in their numbers to be merry.”