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zest and funfair gripped Harare as thousands of Zimbabweans from professionals to ordinary citizens and art performers joined the four kilometre street party from Africa Unity Square to Glamis Arena via Jason Moyo Avenue, literally grinding business to a halt.
Talk of colourful dress plumage, symphony and dance, talk of shoppers closing down and shop owners pouring into the streets, talk of kombi drivers momentarily abandoning their vehicles to catch up with the carnival euphoria, talk of people perching on balconies to catch a glimpse of the street procession then you have summed up the maiden Harare International carnival street party, held last Saturday.
It was ecstatic and hectic for the police and prison brass bands. There was something for everyone. Diversity!
Jason Moyo Avenue was closed off all other feeder roads as marchers sang, danced and performed, in celebration of the multifarious facets of Zimbabweans.
Aided by performances from artistes from 17 foreign countries, Zimbabweans did not disappoint.
Of course, the most outstanding characters of the street party was a Scottish man in a traditional kilt and of course, the tallest man of the march a Nyao dancer, Makanje, whose 10 metres figure, saw him pip the top of other buildings.
Led by Miss Carnival Dananai Chipunza, Acting President Joice Mujuru, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi, service chiefs and Government officials, indeed the carnival lived up to its billing.
There was commotion and a near stampede when the raunchy dancer Beverley Sibanda and her Sexy Angels performed in a brief stop over at Town House.
There, people jostled and the police had to force the dancer to cut short her performance.
Suluman Chimbetu and his Dendera Kings also added colour to the street procession.
Cultural groups that took part included Jerusarema / Mbende, Hwamanda Dance Troupe and Mbira Dzenharira.
Acting President Joice Mujuru described the event as a major success.
“I am glad to address such a huge gathering; we mooted the idea three years ago when we attended the Seychelles Carnival.
“Carnivals world over boost tourism and I am glad the event has attracted such a huge gathering,” she said.
She said if carnivals were given the necessary support they required in Zimbabwe, in the future they would generate millions of dollars in tourism revenue.
Cde Mujuru said the world over carnivals were gaining immense popularity as a destination marketing tool with Brazil generating US$2,9 billion in revenue from hosting the 2012 carnival.
“My experience in addressing this carnival is not only exciting, but also the unleashing of a new fresh idea that became a reality in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said the event was made possible by sponsors.
“I would like to thank the corporate world for chipping in. I am very happy with the resounding success of the first carnival in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The carnival street party turned into an all-night musical show featuring artistes from 17 countries until the early hours of yesterday.
The carnival continues with an array of events lined up until tomorrow when it closes.
Online Reporter