Top acts for Africa Day celebrations

Arts Reporter

The Herald Lifestyle has unveiled some of the musicians that are set to perform at the Africa Day Fashion Extravaganza and Exhibition on Africa Day.

Afro fusion and jazz musician Mbeu, Agga Nyabinde, Taffie Matiure and UK-based gospel songstress Eleana Makombe have confirmed their participation.

More singers will be announced next week.

The event is hosted by The Herald Lifestyle and will be held at the National Arts Gallery of Zimbabwe in partnership with Esteem Communications, Style Icon of Zimbabwe, Fashion Council of Zimbabwe, Jive Zimbabwe and 4May International among others.

In an interview, Zimpapers public relations and events manager Pauline Matanda said preparations were at an advanced stage and they were happy with the musicians who have confirmed their participation.

“The event is taking shape now and we are happy with the progress so far.

“We decided to have a variety of artistes to serenade fashion buffs on the day and we are happy to have the above-mentioned musicians. Gospel singer Eleana will bring the holy vibe to the event as she builds up to her June event. She will set the mood on stage while the rest are more of Afro fusion – Mbeu and Agga Nyabinde.”

Matanda said the door was still open for local designers who wanted to participate in the fashion show.

“We are calling on local fashion designers and stylists to come on board and help us celebrate this initiative. The event will run under the theme, ‘Celebrating African Pride and Fashion.’

“We will have embassies on board and some of them will showcase their products.

“The dress code is African attire and we want to have our own Met Gala style.”

Mbeu said he was excited to take part in the event.

“I have an African themed song that I will also play at the show and I am happy to take part,” he said.

Makombe, who recently arrived from the UK, said that it was a dream come true for her to perform at such a stage.

“I am in the country for the whole month to see family and do business, but I have set aside May 25 for the celebrations. Music and fashion are intertwined and inseparable, and I am ready for the event. I will also use the platform to market my ‘Grateful Concert 2.0’ set to take place in June,” she said.