adminFrom Yoliswa Dube in Harare
THE road to Long-Chen Plaza in Harare was a traffic nightmare on Thursday evening. Parking space was an even more taxing horror.
Rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide of the Loi fame and the King of Sungura Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso were going to share the Harare International Carnival rhumba night stage at the Long-Chen Plaza in what turned out to be an explosive party.
People came in their thousands. Driving into the venue, one could hear some inquiring, “What’s happening here?”, “who’s performing?” and upon hearing the show was free, it was straight into the arena to catch a glimpse of the performers on stage.
Others simply watched from outside the perimeter fence around the venue. They were just happy sitting along the road basking in the stardom and taking in the music.
It was epic. The atmosphere was electric. Rhumba and sungura lovers were in for a treat till the wee hours of the morning.
Also on the line up was Diamond Musica, Best of all Musica and Madiz. But it was Bev Sibanda and Macheso who were the crowd favourites. Macheso and his bass guitar blew away the thousands while Bev and the Sexy Angels equally lit up the crowd.
So far, local artistes seem to be receiving more support than the headline acts at the carnival. During the Samba Night at the Private Lounge on Wednesday, Bev and the local strippers got more attention than Momo King of Brazil who were met with mixed feelings.
On Thursday, celebrated rhumba maestro Olomide also split the crowd with only a portion following his performance. Unlike Macheso and Bev whom the crowd cheered to unanimously, international artistes have not enjoyed the same privilege.
Not to say their performances have been sub-standard or they are riding on lost fame which they built years ago, locals have truly embraced their own.
When Baba Sharo sang Shedia and Tafadzwa among many other popular hits, fans sang along to every lyric. When he showed his expertise with the bass guitar, they cheered for more, in true carnival mood.
The carnival, which is meant to attract not only international artistes but also a broader international audience to boost domestic tourism, has become the mother of all parties, sought after by many.
This is just what the carnival seeks to do. It is a week-long annual festival that encompasses a series of events aimed at advancing the arts, culture and heritage of Zimbabwe as well as uniting the populace. It is all about celebrating diversity, getting communities together and getting to know one another in the love and harmony that builds the country.
Meanwhile, the street party which is the major highlight of the carnival is on today.
Like last year, there are going to be junior and senior groups on the street march. The “junior carnival” will start at Town House, into Julius Nyerere Street and then into Robert Mugabe, Angwa Street, Nelson Mandela Avenue and end at Africa Unity Square.
The “senior carnival” begins at the Corner of Rotten Row and Robert Mugabe Road. It will go along Robert Mugabe, Angwa Street, Nelson Mandela Avenue and end at Africa Unity Square where the main activities will be held.
The street party, which will be a melting pot of cultures, will see imbibers being allowed to publicly consume alcohol at designated points along the parade route.
An after-party featuring Jah Prayzah and Zim dancehall artistes, Souljah Love, Killer T, Seh Calaz and Dhadza D will be held at the Glamis Stadium in the evening.
Online Reporter