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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected] 

THE vibrant city of Bulawayo, often hailed as Zimbabwe’s cultural heart, is about to embark on a musical odyssey that promises to stretch the boundaries of creativity.

A spirited Indian delegation is set to grace the vibrant streets of the City of Kings and Queens, and with them, they bring the essence of Reggae Goa, an exhilarating new genre that is primed to ignite the local scene.

The intriguing confluence of cultures is set to unfold at the prestigious Zimbabwe Academy of Music, where a profound cultural exchange concert is set to unravel. Leading the way is a group of talented Indian artistes hailing from the picturesque state of Goa, renowned for its stunning beaches and laid-back charm. Spearheading this musical entourage is none other than Varun Carvalho, a masterful guitarist and the visionary behind the RiseNation band. 

In a harmonious collaboration, the “Play to Unite” concert will merge the spirited rhythms of Reggae Goa with the captivating pulse of Afrobeats. The initiative, born in the heart of Goa, India, seeks to forge meaningful connections and bridge gaps between communities through the universal language of music. 

Carvalho’s eyes light up as he speaks of the project’s essence. 

“This is our first time performing in Zimbabwe and we are really excited to be a part of this ground-breaking project where we’ll fuse the Reggae Goa sound with the Zimbabwean Afrobeats sound. It’s such an honour to be collaborating with various artistes from Bulawayo for the Play to Unite concert.

“The ‘Play to Unite’ started in Goa, India with the idea of fostering ties and building bridges between communities through the medium of music. The mission of ‘Play to Unite’ is to connect communities through musical dialogues creating opportunities for people to better understand each other’s cultures. Together with my band, RiseNation, we travel to different places and connect with local musicians from each place and create, collaborate and perform. This ensures that communities get together,” he said.

RiseNation band’s Varun Carvalho and Dubfroe

The stage is set for a musical marriage that transcends borders, fusing the rhythmic soul of Goa with the vibrant heartbeat of Zimbabwean Afrobeats. However, this concert is more than just a melodious union; it’s a profound endeavour to empower youth by ensuring access to musical instruments. Rotary clubs from near and far have joined hands, including Matopos, Bulawayo South, Belmont, Bulawayo, Bulawayo Sunrise, and Margao Midtown from Goa. The concert’s proceeds are earmarked to fund a community centre in Bulawayo, an oasis where youngsters can immerse themselves in the world of music, nurturing creativity and steering clear of negative influences.

At the heart of this transformative endeavour is not just the acquisition of instruments, but the cultivation of a drug-free haven for the youth. 

As the musical synergy intensifies, a pivotal figure in Zimbabwe’s jazz realm, Victor Kunonga, enters the spotlight. The collaboration between Carvalho and Kunonga is a convergence of artistic minds, merging their unique styles to forge a bridge of melody and meaning. 

On working with Kunonga, Carvalho said, “We have been working with Victor over the last few days and it’s been a great experience absorbing not only the music but the culture and philosophy of this beautiful land. We look forward to combining our music and in the process, connecting our people together in a high vibration.”

The Play to Unite stage will host an array of exceptional talents, including Simz Masuku, Reilo Viekk, Keylar Justin, Kimoe, Michelle, Brian, and MTK. Amid this lineup, Carvalho’s distinctive vocal delivery takes centre stage as he harmonises with his guitar, an awe-inspiring sight that promises to leave reggae enthusiasts enthralled. — @MbuleloMpofu