adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
SIX days into the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) organised Harare International Carnival (HIC), people in the host city are still asking when the carnival will begin. This is as a result of poor organisation that has marred the event with information about events not readily available to members of the public.Information on performing artistes has been scant as fliers being distributed only contain details of the events and venues.
The organisers’ selection of dates and timing was clearly poor considering that the carnival kicked off mid-month, a time when most people would have not been paid and have no reason to celebrate.
Though organisers hosted the 10-day carnival with the main aim of making Zimbabweans celebrate their diversity, they seem to have forgotten that indeed Zimbabweans are a fun loving people, but they need to be informed and prepared for the carnival.
For any event to be a success, there is need for professionalism and proper planning, something which seems to be lacking in this year’s carnival. As of yesterday, organisers were still finalising contracts with artistes who are expected to perform.
A carnival is a festival in which people are meant to loosen up and celebrate their diversity.
That has not been the case so far, with organisers abruptly cancelling some of the events – much to the disappointment of those who would have planned to attend those events.
So far, only two events, Carnival Queen Zimbabwe and the Carnival Exotic Night have been a resounding success as they drew diverse crowds. Both functions were graced by international visitors from Malaysia, Philippines, Trinidad & Tobago who partied like no one was watching.
The rest of the events have been disappointing with the Carnival Gospel show which was supposed to be held on the second day of the carnival being cancelled at the last minute after the discovery that the venue had been double booked.
A Carnival fashion show hosted by ZimGossip Models on Monday afternoon was a big disappointment as it was way below standard.
There was no ramp and PA system and the models were shabbily dressed.
One of the event sponsors, Stratia Beverages, claimed they were short-changed as they had given ZimGossip Models about $1,200 to host the function.
Though ZimGossip director, Mercy Mushaninga denied the allegations, the event was a huge yawn and an insult to fashion lovers who had thronged the venue hoping to see high fashion trends.
It remains to be seen if one of the main highlights of the carnival, the samba queens from Brazil, will attend the much publicised Carnival Samba Night on Friday evening.
Already, their arrival date has been changed twice, something which may be a sign of their failure to travel to Zimbabwe. They are now expected to touch down at the Harare International Airport tomorrow.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter