Dress up and waltz for kids with cancer . . . as hat designer Moola-Vembo hosts Masquerade Ball

Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
Arts lovers will experience a rare treat on July 31 when they get a chance to dress up and waltz for charity at Meikles Hotel at a masquerade ball courtesy of young milliner Sinyambo Moola-Vembo.

Moola-Vembo says proceeds from the ball will go to support Kidzcan, an organisation that looks after children with cancer.

The show will be hosted by Media 7 in conjunction with Vee Hatss (Moola-Vembo’s brand).

Wikipedia defines a masquerade ball as a tradition which began as part of Europe’s carnival season. It is an event where the participants attend in various costumes and dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

It will be one of the few such events on the calendar, and is thus expected to attract a crowd of the most influential people includin the well-heeled.

In an interview, show organiser Moola-Vembo said extending a helping hand was in her blood.

“I felt touched by these children’s plight with some of them writing their Ordinary Levels. I used to do this when I was in the UK – where I supported an HIV organiasation for youths and children.

“When I came back home I came across Kidzcan and when I hold events, it is not for my personal benefit but also for the children in need,” she said.

She encouraged people to come in numbers to support them in their endeavor to help children with cancer.

“These are high-profile events and people are expected to pay $50 for a mask with food and refreshments in- cluded.

“For the artistes I engaged, are supposed to provide their works for sale with the proceeds channelled to the organisation (Kidzcan),” she added.

She said people will get a chance to dress up and twirl the night away in true glamour.

There will be live performances from Ama, Tom Munetsi, Tumbuka Dance Company and Tariro Cheryl Mavundura among others. Tumbuka Dance Company is renowned locally and internationally for their sleek and acrobatic moves.

In addition, there will be an art exhibition and auction as well as some poets doing their thing.

After completing her Ordinary Levels, Moola-Vembo went to the UK where she did art and graphics at A-Level, then went through health nursing studies from 2000 to 2005.

From 2005-2010 she worked as a healthcare assistant before doing a six-month course in millinery, which she ventured into when she returned home in 2013.