Liberty Dube Mutare Bureau
The presence of tourism players and arts groups from Manicaland and neighbouring Mozambique at the just-ended action packed fourth edition of the Harare International Carnival added glamour to the 10-day jamboree. Africa University, Mutare Polytechnic, Matedzi Cultural Group from Buhera and two Mozambican arts and musical groups, Chinho Raposo and Milorho, were among the 100 groups that participated at the fiesta.

Despite the absence of other tourism players from the Eastern Highlands, the groups that attended raised the province’s flag high.

They rubbed shoulders with Brazilian and Cuban Samba Queens, Democratic Republic of Congo rhumba outfit, Werrason and Wenge Musica, Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah Love, Sulumani Chimbetu, Winky D and Seh Calaz.

Milorho and Chinho Raposo joined hands and put up pulsating and top drawer performances at the welcome reception, as well as at the historic street party.

The two captivated the audience with their unique performances, particularly after they blended traditional dances with contemporary instruments.

Mutare Polytechnic, which had students from the Tourism and Hospitality and Music departments, also put up a top drawer performance during the carnival bira which took place in Domboshava, cultural show, costume parade and the Zim car festival, as well as the Carnival street party.

The 10 days of partying ended on a high note, with participants from Manicaland describing it as fruitful.

“This was really beneficial to all of us, including the students, ,” said Mutare Polytechnic’s Tourism and Hospitality Head of Department, Mrs Millet Mtetwa.

“They needed the exposure.

“We came to Harare to showcase our services to regional and international markets and we were happy with the response.

“We came here to support our brand.

“As pacesetters, we always want to set the pace. It was also a learning curve for us as we also learnt how other (arts) groups from South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia do their business.

“We would like to thank our principal, Ms Poniso Watema, as well as ZTA for granting us such an opportunity to meet the world. We always attend the carnival and every time we do so, we always learn new things. They are highly beneficial.”

A female member of the Mozambican traditional dance outfit, Milorho, said they always enjoyed and admired the Zimbabwean arts industry and were proud to be associated with the carnival.

“The atmosphere was awesome and intriguing,” she said.

“This is one of the best organised carnivals ever. We always learn a lot from Zimbabwe’s arts industry. We admire the creativity and artistry.”

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