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Diamond Musica lead singers Levi Harrison (left) and Pitshou Lumiere

Arts Reporter
Rhumba lovers will be in for a treat on Friday when Congolese star Werrason performs at the Harare International Carnival’s Rhumba Night that takes place at Cresta Oasis hotel car park.

The car park is adjacent to Time and Jazz Café that is partnering the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in organising the Rhumba Night. At the show Werrason will be supported by Diamond Musica, BV Labien Musica and Lady Storm while sungura singer Romeo Gasa will be a guest performer.

Werrason

Josh Hozheri of Time and Jazz Café said the Rhumba Night will maintain the standards set by Koffi Olomide when he performed at the same event at the previous carnival.

“Koffi popularised the Rhumba Night when he performed in the country at the previous carnival and we want to maintain the standards he set. Werrason is a rhumba star who is doing well internationally and we are confident that he will leave lasting impressions. It will be a great night of rhumba vibes. Local rhumba groups Diamond Musica and BV Labien Musica will also showcase their expertise in the genre,” said Hozheri.

Pitshou Lumiere of Diamond Musica said they will stage an energetic act since they are sharing the stage with one of the biggest rhumba acts in the world.

“We respect Werrason so much and we are humbled to share the stage with him. He is a star and we take him as one of our leaders in the genre. We will do our best to ensure that we do not disappoint on the night. We have rehearsed well for the event and all I can say is that we are geared up for a performance of a lifetime,” said Pitshou. ZTA head of corporate affairs Sugar Chagonda said the rhumba night is one of the popular events of the carnival.

“The carnival has attracted huge numbers and this year we are expecting more people. The Rhumba Night is one of the popular events of the carnival and we will keep on inviting big names in the genre. Werrason is coming after a great performance by Koffi at the previous carnival. We are heading for another big day and we are enjoying a great week of carnival festivities,” said Chagonda.

Last year Koffi was impressed by local dancer Beverly Sibanda’s act when he performed at the carnival and the dancer was this year invited to take part in the singer’s video in DRC. It remains to be seen if Lady Storm, also known as Eriza, will be able to steal Werrason’s heart at Friday’s event.