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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
LOCAL musicians are upbeat about performing at the inaugural Bulawayo Music Carnival tomorrow. The performing artistes include Sandra Ndebele, Antivirus, Iyasa, Alaina, ASAPH, Mzoe 7, Guluva 7, TKP and Djembe Monks.
They told The Chronicle that the carnival was long overdue adding that they would not disappoint fans who have been mostly exposed to international acts.
Dance queen, Sandra Ndebele, welcomed the carnival saying it had united the Bulawayo arts fraternity.
“We’d like to thank organisers of the Bulawayo Music Carnival as the event has brought us together. We’re working together for one cause and all moving in one direction and I know this will further popularise our music,” said Ndebele.
She said fans should look forward to music from her latest album Izenzo. Hip-hop and R&B sensation artiste Alaina said she was busy selling tickets for the show so that her fans can come and watch her perform.
“I’m happy to be performing at such a big carnival and this is a step in the right direction. I hope people will come and support us,” said Alaina.
She said she will unveil her new dance routines with a group called Prology.
House musician TKP said she hoped to network and get more gigs after the carnival.
“These days, making money from the sale of albums or singles isn’t lucrative so our only way to make money is through performances. We really appreciate the promoters of the carnival for giving us the platform to showcase our talent and help grow our names,” said TKP.
Rejuvenated award-winning dance crew, Antivirus, will be on stage for the first time and have promised an action packed set.
“This carnival is big as artistes in Bulawayo have united to entertain their fans here. As soon as Antivirus gets on stage, the crowd should expect fast-paced music that’ll keep them on their feet.
“We’re currently hard at work perfecting our set,” said Arthur Evans, the group’s manager who will also be MC at the carnival.
The Bulawayo Carnival will be the fourth carnival in the country after the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival and Harare International Carnival as well as the recently held Gweru Carnival. The public celebration is held to give people an opportunity to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity. It combines some elements of a circus, masks and a public street party with those attending the event expected to wear masks and costumes to add to the fun.
Bongani Ndlovu