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By Tatenda Kunaka
Upcoming afro-traditional musician Evans Mapfumo is grateful to the government for affording him the opportunity to join other musicians from across the continent in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation met all the airline costs for him and his eight-member band to perform at the Sauti Za Busara festival, an annual event that promotes emerging talents, unique music and cultural diversity this weekend.
“I want to thank the government led by His Excellency President Mnangagwa for making my dream a reality. If it was not for them, the journey to Zanzibar would have been history because there was no way I could have afforded airfares for 9 people,” an elated Mapfumo said.
‘Pfumela’ as he is popularly known was selected amongst 300 singers from different African countries that applied for 21 available slots to perform at the festival’s main stage and Amphitheatre.
Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, cultural promotion officer Milton Masaka said Mapfumo was selected as the ministry felt he was capable of raising Zimbabwe’s flag high.
“In line with the country’s engagement and re-engagement drive as well as aspirations of vision 2030, we saw it prudent to help him as he is a young artist who is able to raise Zimbabwe flag high,” he said.
Mapfumo and his band, Kiat Afrika, are departing for Zanzibar today.
Another local company, CivilNet Engineering donated a stylish stage performance outfits worth more than US$500 for the group.
“As CivilNet we saw the potential to do well in Evans, so we decided to help the band by donating a stage outfit which they will wear in Zanzibar as part of corporate social responsibility,” company managing director Bonny Kanyenze said.
Media giants such as CNN, BBC and Songlines magazine rate the festival as one of the best music events in Africa. Nhau/Indaba
