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Authority on Monday night, Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, who is also the patron of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians, said Zimbabweans need to celebrate their own music heroes.
“Local artistes should get equal treatment with their foreign counterparts. If the foreign contingents are booked into five-star hotels, the same should be done for our local artistes.
“They should just be paid the same,” he said.
Minister Shamu’s words were greeted by cheers from the artistes who attended the event among them Suluman Chimbetu, Guspy Warrior, Sandra Ndebele, Dino Mudondo, Sniper Storm, Dominic Benhura, Extra Large, Stunner, Roki, Leonard Mapfumo, Bev, Zoey, Albert Nyathi, Taurai Mandebvu and Allan Chimbetu among others.
Minister Shamu urged artistes to behave in an acceptable manner, saying they were role models.
“Such events bring great expectations and are also an essence in bringing people together as a nation. Artistes are praised for putting dignity in the industry and the nation as a whole.
“The ZTA is praised for the noble idea and should not give more money to foreign artistes and neglect local artistes. Through such events, it is where one realises that we are one.
“That is evidenced by how Roki forgave his ‘sister’ (Maneta) after his eviction from Big Brother. It is high time the media should stop looking for faults and avoid creating stories that prejudice the country just for the sake of selling the paper,” Minister Shamu said.
Turning to the inaugural Zimbabwe International Carnival, Minister Shamu urged artistes to take keen interest in the Zimbabwe International Carnival to be held later this month.
While music fans are already gearing for a fun-filled week, local musicians and other performing artistes are probably experiencing the same thrill, but in a different way.
Quite a number of them will have an opportunity to stage shows before a capacity crowd comprised of Zimbabweans and international delegates as well as show promoters scouting for talent.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said at least 1 600 participants are expected from 21 countries, including Brazil, which will pay for their bills and artistes.
“It is VP Mujuru’s brainchild and it is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity as a nation led by President Mugabe.
“Seven churches have confirmed their participation including more than 1 500 local artistes which will be trimmed to less than 50.
“Samba dances will be showcased at the Rainbow Towers, but firstly a carnival queen is going to be selected followed by the first and second runners-up respectively.
“The second runner-up will be Miss Heritage, but samba will be the main attraction,’’ said Kaseke.
He said they have since requested the participation of Nigerian musician D’Banj of the “Move Your Body” fame.
Mr Kaseke said the country will expect monetary returns from the carnival in the next three editions.
Highlights of the carnival include a beauty pageant on May 18 followed by a gospel show on May 19 before a samba night on May 22.
The climax of the event will be on May 25 when there will be a street procession from Fourth Street to the Harare Exhibition Park.
The carnival has also been cited as an important marketing tool to effectively promote the country’s tourism products to regional and international markets.
Plans are underway to stage next year’s event in Bulawayo. The event would be beamed live on national television.
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society has partnered the ZTA to host the inaugural cultural and social fair which is expected to bring cultures together and beliefs that exist in the country.
The carnival expected to run between May 24 and 26 will celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and also act as a platform to unify Zimbabweans.
Online Reporter