Promoters ready for carnival
PROMOTERS handling events for the third edition of the Harare International Carnival ( HIC) have pledged to deliver a flawless event through transparency and hard work.
The promoters also said they are elated that the carnival preparations, which teetered on the brink of collapse due to uncertainty, were now in full swing.
A handful of the promoters threatened the success of last year’s edition of the HIC by overcharging events while in some instances they refused to honour delegates’ accreditation badges by making them pay.
In worst cases, the security personnel even went to the extent of man-handling the visiting foreign internationals.
Top arts promoter, Biggie Chinoperekwei, who is handling the Carnival Samba Night featuring the Mono King Carnival from Brazil at Private Lounge on October 7, said his team already has a plan to guarantee a smooth flow of business.
“We are excited that the carnival is back. This gives us a challenge as promoters to make sure the overall event succeeds through our individual contributions. We have been part of the carnival from the beginning and we are happy to see the event grow,” said Chinoperekwei.
“The Samba night is going to be hosted outside Private Lounge and I don’t think we are going to have a problem. Last time we had a challenge when the event was held indoors, the venue became crammed.
“This time around we have opted for an open space and mechanisms to guarantee a smooth flow of the event are already in place.”
His counterpart Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, who will be part of the Carnival After Party to be held on October 31 at the Glamis Arena, said that continuous involvement in the carnival has helped him understand the concept and objective of the event.
The After Party event is going to be a dancehall affair featuring local artistes and a visiting top Jamaican artiste generally agreed to be Busy Signal.
“Every event comes with challenges but I’m glad to say we have come to fully understand what is expected of us when we do carnival events on behalf of the organisers. As people still going through the learning curve with regards to carnivals, we are bound to make mistakes but it would be wrong to repeat the same mistake. That is unforgivable,” said Chipaz.
Other events expected to light up the carnival include this week’s Jazz Festival featuring Suzanna Owiyo (Kenya), Judith Sephuma (South Africa), Kunle Ayo (Nigeria), Eric Paliani (Malawi) and Michael Phillips (South Africa).
The following week on September 25, the Zimbabwe Youth in Tourism will gather in the capital’s central business district for the Carnival Street Party while on the same day there will be a Carnival Sungura Gig featuring Zimbabwe’s finest sungura stars at Pamuzinda Ice and Fire, a joint widely regarded as the home of sungura.
The two events will gently usher revellers to the World Tourism Day Commemorations led by the Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi.
Reggae advocate Robert Zhuwao who will host the HIC Reggae — Socca Night at Red Fox Hotel on October 6, said a scheduled international performer for his event has already confirmed participation.
“We will be having Orlando Octavo from Trinidad and Tobago. He is being brought for the Harare Carnival by Jah Put Ah Hand Movement, headed by Marlene Divinti, ZTA and Red Fox Family. Octavo will perform at the Reggae-Soca Night at the Red Fox Hotel and will also perform at our Red Fox Carnival Street Party to be held along First Street on Saturday October 10,” said Zhuwao.
“Octavo will be supported by local sound movements Judgement Yard, Red Fox Sounds and musicians Guspy Warrior and Ninja Lipsy. So yes, I can confirm that everyone is pulling his or her weight in preparing for the carnival. This edition promises to be a much better carnival.”
The Tuku and Friends concert will be held at the Glamis Arena on October 9 while on the following day, superstar Tuku is expected to marshal revelers to the major event of the carnival — the HIC Street Party.