The Sunday Mail
THE Bigtime Harare International Carnival has come and gone.
What remains are the memories that will be cherished by hundreds of thousands of merrymakers who had the opportunity to be part of this epic annual fete.
While previous editions are mainly remembered for the final day’s carnival Street Party, this year has been a bit different with plenty of exciting activities taking place in the run-up to the finale.
From activation parties that were conducted in various parts of the country to the events that were taking place in and around the capital during the Carnival Week, it was clear that the carnival mood was in the air.
Devine Assignments led the pack in organising ignition parties that ran for a whole week both in the CBD and various high density suburbs. After firing warning shots with a Passa Passa that took place at Zindoga Shopping Centre featuring various performers including Bev and Apama, the carnival countdown exploded on the Monday in Mbare.
A collaboration between the Promotions Company and Chillspot Records resulted in an explosive Block Party, which took place in Matapi, Mbare, attracting thousands of music lovers.
It was a super-charged event which had the likes of Blot, Ba Shupi, Seh Calaz, Jah Signal, Silent Killer and Guspy Warrior among other top artistes taking to the stage.
Despite being a Monday, the numbers that came through and the celebratory atmosphere they created was a big statement announcing the arrival of the carnival.
The following day, Zengeza 1 was the place to be with another massive gig keeping the party mood on a high.
It is no surprise that a huge crowd also attended considering the line-up of artistes who included Gupsy Warrior, Dhadza D, Lady Squanda, Scadda T, Ninja Lipsy and Jah Signal among others.
With the CBD being declared a drinking free zone, the stage that was set up in First Street Mall provided revellers with entertainment as numerous DJs kept the music pumping throughout the week.
Even on the final day, with many people setting their eyes on the main stage situated at the Civic Grounds, First Street was the place to be in the afternoon and the party kept on rocking long into the night.
Besides these pop-up parties, various other promoters also brought in some variety, especially on the eve of the final day. While Private Lounge was hosting the Brazilian Samba dancers, rhumba lovers had the opportunity to see Werrason live on stage at the Cresta Oasis car park.
Harare Gardens also came alive with the Carnival Zim-dancehall Night where various acts in the genre took to the stage.
The climax of the extravaganza might have been on the last day but the other events that were held prior to that really gave the event a big boost. Rather than being a one-day event, it was indeed a real Carnival Week.
