Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporter
President Mugabe yesterday met Ghanaian reggae artiste Abubakar Ahmed, popularly known as Blakk Rasta, who is in the country to perform at the Zimbabwe Music Awards tonight. Blakk Rasta visited State House in the company of some members of his Herbalist Band. The group will be the headline act at the ZIMA after-party, dubbed the “Well Done Bob (WDB)” concert, at the Harare International Conference Centre.

The WDB concert is in honour of President Mugabe as he celebrates his 92nd birthday.

The President turned 92 on Sunday.

Blakk Rasta released a song titled “Mugabe” five years ago, which eulogises President Mugabe.

Speaking during the meeting, Blakk Rasta thanked the President for “everything you have done for the African continent”.

“It gives us great excitement to be here,” he said.

“Ever since we did that song, we refused to play it anywhere and said we will only play it in Zimbabwe. Since we came, Zimbabwe is like heaven to us. We have sent a lot of pictures to Ghana and people are wondering if all that we have been hearing about Zimbabwe in the Western media is anything to go by.

“We say congratulations and we wish you good health. We hope to come here again and again, this is home to us. Thank you for everything you have done for Africa.”

The musician said despite emerging from the same continent, Ghana and Zimbabwe were related since the late First Lady Amai Sally Mugabe was from the West African country.

President Mugabe also taught in Ghana during the late 1950s.

The group also took the opportunity to sing the song “Mugabe” before the President, who jokingly responded, “Next time you must do a 92-year-old song,” in apparent reference to his age.

Zima chairman Mr Joseph Nyadzayo said having a Pan-Africanist view and his love for the President, Blakk Rasta would perform at the concert for free.

“We are only meeting the cost of bringing him here,” he said.

“The WDB concert is about honouring the President for what he has achieved as a leader. We are simply celebrating his leadership and guidance through music.”