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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
A newly creative organisation called “Black Judah Creative” is set to celebrate Haile Selassie’s Earth Day tomorrow with a gig dubbed “Roots Rock Reggae” in Msasa starting at 11am. The family show sets out to deliver an exceptional diverse cultural art and entertainment event to at least 2 000 people. In an interview, show organiser Chishamiso Musariri was optimistic that the event will excite people from different backgrounds.

“The area will accommodate a stage for artistes, a seating area in which people can relax and enjoy the environment, an artisans area that will sell only hand-made crafts as well as children’s entertainment erana for storytelling and craft workshops, and a catering area that will house food and drink stalls.

“Black Judah Creative envisions a large proportion of the audience being diverse in age and background, lovers and supporters of the reggae and the Rasta culture, members of the public who are always on the lookout for the extraordinary, young adults and artistes themselves,” she said.

She said the celebration was being held at a secure venue since it was a family event.

“The Roots Rock Reggae is an event that looks to celebrate an elevated concept of reggae arts and entertainment in Harare.

The venue was selected mainly for its atmosphere, its ability to accommodate a large numbers, vast parking space and overall security.

“It will take place this tomorrow, on His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie’s Earth Day; the greatest inspiration behind the Rastafarian religion and reggae music,” she said.

According to biography.com Haile Selassie 1, real name Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael, was born on July 23, 1892 and died August 27, 1975.

He was an Ethiopian regent from 1916 to 1930 and Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974.

The legend served as chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity from May 25 1963 to July 17 1964 and November 5 1966 to September 11 1967.

At the League of Nations in 1936, the Emperor condemned the use of chemical weapons by Italy against his people during the Second Italo–Ethiopian War.

His internationalist views led to Ethiopia becoming a charter member of the United Nations, and his political thought and experience in promoting multilateralism and collective security have proved seminal and enduring.

His regime was also criticised by human rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, as autocratic and illiberal.