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Arts Reporter

United States rapper William Leonard Roberts II, affectionately known as Rick Ross, is arriving this afternoon at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport ahead of his maiden show tonight in Harare. 

Rick Ross “The Boss” is expected to perform at the Harare International Conference Centre, as he shares the stage with some of the country’s local hip-hop stars such as Holy Ten, Takura, Hillzy, Ace Forever, Madeherbelive, Raydizz and SaintFlow. 

The concert will also see some of the finest disco jockey’s such as Rimo and King Her on the turntables, while the Zimdancehall factor line has been added in the name of Nutty O. 

Will Rick Ross arrive on a private charter or use commercial planes? 

According to the organisers, Rick Ross’ schedule is being kept private due to security reasons as per his management request. 

But close sources have revealed that before he performs on stage, Rick Ross is expected to have a tour around the city, meeting fans and travel to one of the tourist destinations, most likely Victoria Falls, before he leaves. 

Meanwhile, tickets for the show have been selling well, with the general entry of US$$20 for university students being introduced. 

All the students have to do is to produce their student identification cards to buy the ticket. 

According to a poll produced by the organisers of the show, so far, on the general ticketing pegged at US$35, at least 80 percent has been sold, while the VIP ticket of US$150 is approximately at 70 percent. 

The VVIP Premium tables of US$5 000 have been sold out. 

The tables include some treatments such as having the most expensive liquor on set, among others. 

The VVIP gold tables of US$4 000 and VVIP silver rows pegged at US$3 000 are almost sold out. 

The event, which is being organised by BetterBrands in partnership with Roar Entertainment, will also see a red carpet show warming up the main act. 

A programme line up which was said to be of the show was released yesterday on social media and received mixed feelings from fans. 

“Rick Ross is scheduled to perform at 2300hrs,” read the shared post on social media. “The show starts with red carpet settings hosted by MTV Base with Ace Forever as the opening act followed by Hillzy, Kikky and Saintflow. 

“For the main stage its King Her, HolyTen, Madeherbelieve, Takura, Rimo and Nasty C. Zimdancehall singer Nutty O is the one warming the stage for Rick Ross.” 

Some fans were of the opinion that some of the artistes mentioned on the line-up should not be there, while others said they deserve it. 

If the organisers manage to have a sold out show, it will be a record breaking in the history of hip-hop to fill up HICC with the genre. 

It is more about the fan-base and some questions whether Rick Ross is known that much in Zimbabwe have been raised. 

Recently, Rick Ross hosted a show in Angola and according to reports the venue was full to its capacity. 

Some of Rick Ross’ songs to look forward to include “Shoes”, “Wiggle”, “Infinity”, Aston Martin Music, B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast), Bill Gates, Black Opium and Black and White.