Star-studded line-up for 63RD DRC independence anniversary

Trust Khosa

ALL is set for the 63rd Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) independence anniversary to be held at the Rainbow Towers tonight.

The event, which is set to culminate into a rhumba extravaganza, will parade an array of rhumba artists based in Harare.

Diamond Musica is set to headline the event.

Fellow rhumba acts, guitarist Shaka Zulu, Kaninda Dhodi from Lubumbashi Stars, Ruffa Salutanie (Real Sounds of Africa) and club wheel-spinner, DJ Ben are all part of the line-up.

Suluman Chimbetu is the only local artist performing at the event.

The event, which is meant to unite Congolese residents in Zimbabwe, will be held under the theme: “Business Network and Fundraising Dinner.”

Speaking to H-Metro, event coordinator, Pitshou Lumiere was upbeat it will live up to expectations.

“We have been busy for the greater part of the month preparing for the event. The 63rd DRC Independence celebrations come at a time when there is a war in the eastern parts of my native land.

“We would like to channel some of the proceeds towards the victims of the civil war in eastern DRC.

“We call upon diplomats, the corporate world and the public to come and celebrate with us on June 20,” he said.

Pitshou was pleased by the cooperation of artists and stakeholders in the event.

“We have sold some of the tables to diplomats, business executives and the corporate world.

“More tables are still open for grabs and we would like to urge people to show up in numbers as we support our victims back home.

“We would like to make this event an annual celebration and we are happy with the support we are getting from the Zimbabwean Government, which has also supported us to fight the civil war in our country,” he said.

Suluman, who is the only local playing at the event, could not hide his elation.

“It’s an honour to be invited to come and perform at such an important event, which means a lot for the two countries.

“We are definitely going to give our best performance as a band and on my own behalf, I am ready for the event,” he said.