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clearance from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
By law, all international acts have to be cleared with the council before artistes perform in Zimbabwe.
However, by yesterday the organisers had managed to have their papers in order ahead of the concert scheduled for this Saturday at the Borrowdale Race Course.
“We can confirm that we have done everything as work permits and clearance from the authorities are in order now,” DJ Paradzai Matare aka P Stylez, who is one of the organisers, said.
Nicholas Moyo, the NACZ deputy director, confirmed that they had cleared the concert after the organisers had paid clearance fees.
“We appreciate the work they have put into the show including advertising and we are assisting them in every way possible.
“The only problem is that they had applied for the clearances late but my team is making sure that everything is on course. It’s only that tomorrow (today) is a holiday otherwise they should have their papers ready before the concert,” Moyo said.
The Herald was inundated with calls from music lovers who wanted to know about the authenticity of the organisers and the gig itself.
“We have organised big concerts in Harare before and this is one of the many shows that we have lined up this year. After the Harare concert, the artistes will then move to South Africa for more concerts in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
“For those who watch DStv we have already started making noise about the concerts and tickets are selling fast,” P Stylez said.
Topping the bill are United States-based artistes Timbaland, Ciara, Lil Kim, Fat Joe of the Terror Squard fame as well as DJ Scratch.
DJ P Stylez, T Bass and Rax – the turntable master – would be supporting the Americans.
However, P Stylez said football fans will not miss the action on Uefa Champions League finals between Manchester United and Barcelona.
“We have made arrangements to ensure that football lovers who will attend the gig will be able to watch the game live on the big screens at the venue. We are fully aware that most fans would want to watch their favourite teams live and they should not worry about that,” he said.
Ciara is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow while the rest of the artistes will touch down at the Harare International Airport on Friday morning in time for the pre-party hosted by P Stylez and T Bass.
Ciara arrives at the airport at 12.10pm and fans who want to welcome the singer are free to do so.
Online Reporter