The Sunday Mail
SAMBA Nights are always the most popular build-up events at carnivals around the world.
Big Time Strategic Group’s financial muscle and Devine Assignments’ organisational skills are set to make this year’s Samba Night even more memorable than ever before.
Under the wings of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and its vast network and marketable brand, this year’s Samba Night comes fully loaded.Apart from the Brazilian samba dancers and locals like Beverly Sibanda and Zoey Sifelani, Cubans – regarded as some of the best dancers in the world – will be part of the event.
Armed with an assortment of dancing styles, Cuban dancers are said to be more lethal than the Brazilian samba girls. The “Battle of Bellies” is certainly going to be a night to remember as the girls go through some serious gyrating. Certainly, the dancers will dazzle revellers but the climax will be South Africans Babes Wodumo and Zodwa Wabantu taking to the stage.
Samba Night, which is being co-ordinated by Devine Assignments, takes place on September 8 at the Harare International Conference Centre, a day before millions of carnival-goers take to the streets for the street party.
Devine Assignments boss Biggie Chinoperekwei said: “In previous instances we ended up not getting the ultimate experience from the dancers because of overcrowding and distance from stage. But the HICC seems to be designed for such events.
“There is enough room for multitudes of fans but then everyone will be close enough to witness intimately the stars in action.”
Apart from this, there is also the “Battle of Limpopo” on September 9 after the street party featuring Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah Love, Suluman Chimbetu, Winky D and Seh Calaz who will clash with top South African acts Dr Malinga, Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, Euphonik and DRC’s rhumba sensation Werrason at Robert Mugabe Square.
Meanwhile, impeccable sources have revealed that this potential thriller of a carnival might not come to pass. Information gathered from sources who want to remain anonymous indicates some officials from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry are not keen on seeing the HIC take place.
It is claimed these officials blocked funds from Treasury meant to support the carnival, protesting against the participation of Maphosa’s company.However, ZTA chief executive Karikoga Kaseke ruled out a possible 11th hour cancellation of the carnival.
He, however, confirmed that “they have been borrowing funds meant for Sanganai/Hlanganani” with the hope that it will be replaced when Treasury unveils carnival funds.“The grapevine will always be there but the carnival is definitely on. Already there is general excitement from the public so cancellation of the event will be catastrophic,” said Kaseke.
“The whole nation is in a carnival mood. Besides people have already been invited and we cannot turn back. Some are already in the country while others will arrive next week (this week) with the bulk expected in the first three days of the carnival.
“People are just spreading falsehoods and there is no element of truth in the rumours. Yes, the minister was not happy with us naming the carnival after the sponsor and we have since rectified that.
“My minister likes the carnival very much and has not said anything against it. Let’s remember tourism is the bigger picture here and not us in- dividuals.”
Other events that are expected to complete the 10-day carnival period include the Carnival Bira Night in Domboshava, Carnival Bush Party to be held in Ruwa, Carnival Costumes Show and Parade, Zim Car Culture Festival, Rhumba Night and Zim Dancehall Fiesta.
The Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Charity Race on the same day of the Carnival Street Party and the Battle of Limpopo will also act as an extension of the HIC.
Over 25 countries have confirmed participation at this year’s edition of the carnival, which runs from September 1 to 10.
ZTA head corporate affairs Sugar Chagonda explained: “Serious destinations always have a variety of events taking place at one go to offer diversity.”
Over 25 countries have confirmed participation at this year’s edition of the carnival, which runs from September 1 to 10.
Our events in this case are not competing but complementing each other, which is why you see artistes like Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah Love and Winky D will be taking part at both events and we will also be juggling between them.
Over 25 countries have confirmed participation at this year’s edition of the carnival, which runs from September 1 to 10.
