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Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
The second edition of the Harare International Carnival kicked off on a high note on Friday evening with the crowning of Carnival Queen Zimbabwe. The pageant which attracted a sizeable crowd saw 18-year-old part time SFm radio presenter Gamuchirayi Kujeke (Harare) being crowned Carnival Queen Zimbabwe while Yvonne Nyamutsamba and Blessing Makumene were crowned first and second princesses respectively.
A teary and overwhelmed Kujeke said she was surprised to have been crowned as competition was stiff.
“This was the first pageant I contested in and I’m really amazed that I made it. This is a big boost for my self-esteem and confidence,” she said.
For being crowned queen, Kujeke won a Jaguar and $20,000. The vehicle was parked at the HICC for all to see and the car keys were handed to her after the pageant. For now, she is being driven by a chaperone as an official prize giving ceremony is still to be held.
The Carnival Queen Zimbabwe event was spiced up by Zimbabwe’s finest dancehall acts, Shinsoman and Soul Jah Love. They left fans clamouring for more, a confirmation that dancehall music has taken the country by storm.
Trinidad & Tobago’s orchestra group, Exodus Steel Band were not to be outdone as the band put up a world class act — promising more fireworks when they perform again at the Carnival Street party on Saturday.
Trinidad, who host one of the biggest and well organised carnivals in the world, will this year play a big role in guiding organisers of Zimbabwe’s event as their national carnival committee is in the country for the carnival.
Kujeke hit the ground running as she already has a tight programme carrying out her duties as queen. She together with visiting international models, Miss Tourism International and Miss Philipines Angeli Gomez and Miss Malaysia Tharaah Ganesan spent yesterday evening in Chivhu where they attended the Carnival Bira. The bira was hosted at a shrine by Chief Musarurwa and traditional leaders to seek blessings to host the carnival.
Yesterday, the models, led by former Carnival Queen Zimbabwe, Dananai Chipunza travelled to Masvingo where they are touring the Great Zimbabwe monument. They will return to Harare today and will travel to Victoria Falls next week.
In an interview at the Carnival Bira, Miss Philipines who was dressed in cultural wear, said she was feeling African.
“I really feel African dressed in these clothes. My stay is great so far and I am really learning so much about Zimbabwe,” she said.
The carnival activities continue today with a carnival fashion show being held in the city. Tomorrow, a party for the mature crowds will be held. The main highlights of the carnival, the Samba Queens from Brazil, are also expected in the country tomorrow ahead of their performance at the Samba Night to be held at Airport lounge in Harare on Wednesday.
Online Reporter