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…as sungura king Alick Macheso makes debut
Andrew Moyo Leisure Reporter —
One of the most exciting music festivals on the continent, the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival kicks off this Thursday with loads of activities taking centre stage in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
This has become the prime New Year’s celebration event in the country attracting thousands of merrymakers from across the globe.
Organisers of the event have added more exciting elements to the three day event, with numerous parties with varying themes taking place.
While the Train and Bush Party has been one of the most popular segments of the carnival, the introduction of a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is set to raise the bar in terms of the partying experience.
Enjoying drinks while listening to live music and enjoying the view of wild herds on the river banks, drifting hippo, floating crocodiles and flocks of birds shimming the waterline as the sun sets beyond the African skyline will certainly provide the perfect holidaying experience.
Add to that, revered sungura exponent Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso will for the first time take part at the not to be missed annual Jameson Vic Falls Carnival. The sungura musician was added on the performers list late last week.
Baba Sharo is not new to such events as a couple months ago he left revellers spellbound at a festival that was held Down South and hosted by South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
According the sungura maestro’s camp promises fireworks when they perform at the annual fete. Baba Sharo will be supported by his Orchestra Mberikwazvo ensemble.
The sungura musician is currently enjoying a healthy following at his gigs following the success of his last offing “Tsoka Dzerwendo”, which was released in March this year.
Also, organisers have added white water rafting on the first day of the festivities for those adrenaline junkies who want to experience some of the thrills offered by the Zambezi River.
There will also be several welcome parties taking place at various venues with more popular spots such as Shoe Strings and Adventure Lodge poised to set the tone for the carnival.
The first train for the second day’s train and bush party is already sold out. Those willing to be on the second train have to buy their tickets on time as it is also set to be sold out by the time the event starts.
This concept of having a DJ blasting away on a train while merrymakers are whisked away to a secret location in the bush where another massive party will be awaiting is unique and offer holiday makers fun that is beyond the norm.
The final day, New Year’s Eve is the one most people will be waiting for with host of both local and international DJs taking to the stage at Victoria Falls Farm School as they usher people into 2017.
With a line-up comprising of Locnville, Goodluck, Tresor, Sketchy Bongo, The Kiffness, Judgement Yard, Tidal Waves, Diloxclusiv, Jason le Roux and Winky D among others, this is set to be an explosive party.
Organisers of the event have ensured that there is a balance in terms of music genres with the acts bringing in varying sounds that include electro, house, reggae, sungura and dancehall to name just a few.
Meanwhile organisers have partnered with Ethuse Magazine to arrange a party bus which will be herding for the carnival from Harare.
The Vic Falls Party Bus will be welcome news to carnival goers from Harare as they will get to enjoy their ride on the long journey to the resort town. Several DJs including Selekta Base, Fujee, Icytat, Noma and Liz will be behind the turntables throughout the whole ride to make sure that the keep the carnival mood on a high.
There are going to be several activities along the way including sundowners in Kwekwe, a braai in Gweru, a party in Bulawayo and breakfast in Hwange with the bus expected to arrive in Victoria Falls on Thursday morning.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure Enthuse editor Stephanie Kapfunde said they wanted to provide a different and memorable domestic experience for merrymakers.
“This will be a great experience for many smart and fun loving Zimbabweans with a thirst for good times and adventure. We have limited tickets that are being sold at Enthuse Afrika offices or from the Event Brite website,” said Kapfunde.
Besides the fun aspect, the Jameson Vic Falls Carnival is a big boost for business in the resort town with most hotels and lodges recording brisk business during the period.
Equally the large number of visitors that attend the festival also mean an ordinary resident of Vic Falls also benefits. For instance some of the residents of the tourism town ended up letting their homes after hotels and lodges failed to cope with the huge traffic that came through.
Online Reporter