adminFrom Melissa Mpofu in Harare
Harare will be a melting pot of cultures tomorrow when it hosts the climax of the Harare International Carnival with a street parade which will see over 19 countries showcasing their diverse cultures. Dubbed the biggest party in Southern Africa, the street parade is set to attract over 50 local groups and artistes who will be part of the street procession which kicks off in the morning. Pole dancers, Bev and Zoey, Sandra Ndebele and Intombi Zomqangala, Jerusalema Mbende, Sulumani Chimbetu, and Jah Prayzah are some of the local artistes who will be part of the street parade.
Organisers of the carnival, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) have been cleared by the police to allow people to publicly consume alcohol as they participate in the parade.
ZTA chief executive, Karikoga Kaseke said there was no way people would party without their drinks hence their decision to have people drinking during the procession.
“Carnivals are all about having fun and world-over, people consume alcohol during street parades so people will do the same here. We have secured authority for revellers to be allowed to drink beer during the carnival in the designated streets,” he said.
The carnival which is now in its 7th day will today see pole dancing fanatics being treated at the Carnival Samba Night being held at the Airport Lounge.
The Samba Queens from Brazil who are popular for their sexually suggestive dances will be the main attraction at the event which will also feature Zimbabwe’s own Bev and Zoey.
Organiser of the event Biggie Chinoperekwi said the no under-21 event would also feature a Zimbabwean version of the Samba Queens who will give the Bazilians a run for their money as they will be performing similar dances.
Countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Philippines, Swaziland, Malaysia, Egypt, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Ethiopia, Italy, the US, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya are already in the country raring to go.
Kaseke said despite the glitches which they had faced during the week, he was humbled by the tremendous support they had received from the world.
“Having countries which host the biggest and most attended carnivals in the world such as Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil is not a joke. Our carnival is only in its second edition but it is already attracting a lot of countries and we are grateful for their support,” he said.
Lutalo Masimba, an entertainment consultant from Trinidad and Tobago, said he was proud of Zimbabwe’s decision to host carnivals.
“We are proud that Africa has decided to find a way to fight oppression through carnivals. Carnival is the energy and movement of all people and we use our drum to bring people together. This carnival will tell the Zimbabwean story as the world is here,” he said.
Online Reporter