admingenerated significant interest among local, regional and international participants.
“We are now giving it a national outlook and next year the carnival will be staged in Bulawayo,” he said.
“Over 100 groups have registered with us to participate at the carnival. In Nigeria they had 34 groups and in our case the response is overwhelming considering we did not run an advert. We thank the media for the support,” said Kaseke.
However, Kaseke said they were going to trim the number to improve on logistics. While music fans are already gearing for a fun-filled week, local musicians and other performing artistes are probably experiencing the same thrill, but in a different way.
Quite a number of them will have an opportunity to stage shows before a capacity crowd comprised of Zimbabweans and international delegates as well as show promoters scouting for talent.
Zimbabwe Agricultural Society has partnered the ZTA and will host an inaugural cultural and social fair, bringing together other cultures and beliefs that exist in the country.
The carnival, which is going to be held to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and also act as a platform to unify Zimbabweans, will run from May 24 to 26.
Highlights of the carnival include a beauty pageant on May 18 followed by a gospel show on May 19 before a samba night on May 22.
“There will be a samba night. Only samba dance that night. Strictly no under 18! Samba dance is for adults, ask those who have been to Brazil. It is explosive. We will also have a reggae night where Luciano will be the main attraction.
“There will be several activities through and through. But samba will be the main attraction,’’ said Kaseke.
The climax of the event will be on May 25 where there will be a street procession from Fourth Street to the Harare Exhibition Park. The carnival has also been cited as an important marketing tool to effectively promote the country’s tourism products to regional and international markets.
Plans are underway to stage next year’s event in Bulawayo. The event would be beamed live on national television.
Online Reporter