Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
CHINHOYI Caves will come under the spotlight next month when it hosts the inaugural Mapako Carnival.
Running from October 26-28, the event will feature an array of top artists led by Jah Prayzah, Enzo Ishall and Freeman.
Names of other top artists, who are billed to perform, will be advised in due course.
Mapako Festival events manager, Brian Vengayi, confirmed the three-day fete, which is set to boost domestic tourism as well as promoting local artists.
“The event is going to be fun-filled with a lot of activities set to mark the carnival.
“Firstly, there will be food and wine tasting activities as part of the festival.
“On the 26th, we are going to have traditional dance competitions from local schools.
“We are also going to host a Jazz Night, where we are going to invite artists from Harare and other areas to come and perform throughout the event,” said Vengayi.
Vengayi said they will host Miss Culture on October 26.
“We are going to be partnering with the school of Arts and Design from CUT (Chinhoyi University of Technology) in hosting Miss Culture.
“We are also going to be partnering with other designers from Harare,” he said.
Vengayi said the carnival march would be held on Saturday.
“The main parade will start in town, heading towards CUT, and proceeding to Orange Groove Motel.
“It will be our main event and that’s where we are going to have many artists performing on the day.
“So far, we have a big wish list, we have engaged all the big artists, Jah Prayzah, Enzo Ishall, Freeman.
“We are also in the process of talking to others and, once we agree, then we will announce them in the press.”
He added:
“We are going to be partnering with Zimparks, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Chinhoyi University of Technology School of Tourism and Arts and Design as well as CUT Hotel.
“It’s definitely going to be an annual event as this is our first edition, so people should grace themselves for excitement every year,” he said