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Godwin Muzari: Arts Editor
. . . Romain Virgo jets in today for pageant concert
As his 2016 hit “Love Sick” continues to make waves, Romain Virgo should have felt “homesick” and decided to make his maiden trip to Africa, which Jamaicans take as their homeland, to get some love from his brothers and sisters.He is known as Jamaica’s young love doctor because of his soothing lovers’ rock tunes that have made him popular internationally.
Yet, despite extensively touring many countries since his career blossomed more than six years ago, the 26-year-old “Soul Provider” hit-maker has never performed in Africa.
And he has chosen Zimbabwe as the destination for his first show on the continent.
It will be a homecoming ceremony on Saturday at Glamis Arena at the Harare Showgrounds when the Jamaican star performs at Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe pageant alongside Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah Love, Freeman, Dobba Don, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and Ammara Brown among others.
His second performance in his homeland will be at the KICC grounds in Kenya next Saturday.
So, when he lands at the Harare International Airport today at 3.30pm with his eight-member band, Romain Virgo will be ready for a first dance with Africa.
Jah Prayzah and Freeman will be at the airport to welcome an excited Romain Virgo.
He expressed his excitement over the tour on a video that was shot at a Jamaican airport just before his departure for the trip and posted on Facebook.
“Yah, so we are on our way to Africa for the very first time. Romain Virgo and the Unity Band. You see them here . . . ” he says before introducing his band members that also show enthusiasm.
Then he continues, “So, for the first time we have a show in Zimbabwe on the 17th and then on the 24th we go to Kenya . . . this is gonna be crazy.”
One of the show organisers Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions said they decided to bring in the musician and his team two days before the show so that he can have time to mix and mingle with his fans and have a feel of the continent before the gig.
“He is coming two days ahead of the show to have fun with his fans before he performs. He will have dinner with some lucky fans at African Affair Restaurant in Southerton on Friday (tomorrow).
“He will also tour some ghettos to meet his fans. We are organising a welcome party at a club in the capital,” said Chipaz.
Tickets to the show go on sale tomorrow and they are going for $10 (ordinary), $20 (VIP) and $50 (VVIP).
“The tickets are available at Chick Street in Newlands, Jazz 24/7 in the city centre, African Affair Restaurant in Southerton and Dandaro Inn at the Showgrounds.
“Everything is set for the show and the entertainment line-up will make Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe pageant bigger. We will be celebrating beauty.”
The pageant will see 11 models taking to the ramp to contest for the grand prize of $8 000 that will come with a year’s supply of Black Opal cosmetic products among other prizes courtesy of Black Opal agent in Zimbabwe, Yolana Investments, that runs the pageant. A lucky customer will walk away with a Toyota IST.
Online Reporter