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Samba dancers at a previous edition of the carnival

Showbiz Reporter
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), organisers of the Harare International Carnival, say preparations for the 10-day fete are going on well with more local and international artistes confirming participation.

The fourth edition of the carnival kicks off in the capital on September 1 but before that, activations will be spread to other parts of the country for those outside Harare to also have a feel of the event.

Twenty two countries – Angola, Brazil, Botswana, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Jamaica, Malawi, Mozambique, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom and Zambia – have so far confirmed participation. Most of their representatives are expected to start arriving in the country as from September 4 to start preparing for the carnival street party where they will showcase their diverse cultures.

The melting pot of cultures will run under the theme “One Love -Our Unity, Our Pride”.

ZTA head of corporate affairs, Sugar Chagonda said they were happy with progress made thus far.

“The target for this year’s edition is to host 25 foreign groups and to date, 22 countries have confirmed. There’s an overwhelming response from the local communities as over 100 local groups, 15 tertiary institutions, 20 tourism operators and 40 secondary schools have registered to participate,” said Chagonda.

He said the carnival will be filled with activities with the main highlights being the carnival welcome reception, the bush and street parties as well as the main concert.

Other activities will include a carnival bira that will be held in Domboshava. A series of block parties hosted by different organisers will be held during the first six days of the carnival in order to get people in a party mood in preparation for the street party on September 9.

Chagonda said they were in talks with city fathers to allow imbibers to consume alcohol freely in the streets of Harare during the carnival.

“We’re in talks with authorities to get a clearance for people to drink during the carnival street procession and other street shows like the block parties so that people can be merry,” he said.

A new addition to the carnival will be the train and bush party, similar to that held during the Vic Falls Carnival. Carnival goers will be ferried to Ruwa Country Club by a steam train where they will party on board before further partying at the club.

Zimtorque who organise car drag race and spinning events will also add flavour when they host a Zim Car Festival on September 3 at the Belgravia Sports Club. A Samba Night will once again be held by public demand and will feature exotic dancers from Cuba and Brazil who will be joined by locals and likely entertainer, Zodwa Wabantu.

After the carnival street party, a music concert featuring Zimbabwe’s greats, Jah Prayzah, Sulumani Chimbetu, Winky D, Diamond Muzika, Seh Calaz, Peter Moyo and international artistes Babes Wodumo, Zodwa Wabantu, Dr Malinga, Busiswa and Werrason among many others will be held at the Civic Grounds.