Sandra to juggle carnival and Byo Fest

BULAWAYO dancing queen, Sandra Ndebele, will still form part of the ensemble of artistes set to perform at this year’s Bulawayo Comes Alive music concert despite the fact that she is billed to perform at the inaugural Zimbabwe International Carnival.

Last week, organiser of Bulawayo Comes Alive which takes place on 24 May, Jeys Marabini said Ndebele would miss the fest, which is billed for 24 May at Masina Sports Bar as it clashed with the carnival which runs from 22 May to 29 May.

In an interview Marabini said they had cleared things up with Ndebele who will perform at both events.

“We have managed to clear things up with Sandra and I am happy to say that she will be performing at the concert and at the carnival as well,” he said.

Marabini said Ndebele said she could not miss the BulAwayo event which she felt was very important. The festival, which was last held in 2007 will bring togehter more than over 40 city artistes including dance groups.

Some of the artistes that are set grace the event include Black Umfolosi, Marabini, Chase Skuza, Khuxxman, Iyasa, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Willis Watafi, Cool Crooners, Ndux Junior, Umdumo Wesizwe, Tukuye Super Sounds, Isizukulwane, Otis Ngwabi, Impumelelo Shining Stars, Obadia Matulana, Siyaya, Djembe Monks, Gabz Fire, Mchez’nana and Hudson Simbarashe.

Marabini said the preparations for the event were on track and that they were looking to rope in the national broadcaster, ZBC to beam the event live. He however said this was only possible if the business community supports the event through advertising.

“We saw what happened recently with Hifa and we would also like to get the same television coverage. This event is even more unique because it’s something that is strictly for and by locals.

“However, the city’s business community has to come to our rescue and buy advertising space because it’s expensive for ZBC to cover these events that are outside Harare,” he said.

Member of legendary Imbube group, Black UMfolosi, Sotsha Moyo said that he was looking forward to the fest as he believed that it would be one of the biggest shows held in the city in a long time.

“This will be a big day for Bulawayo, one of the biggest in the history of music in the city in fact. All preparations are on course and if things go according to plan, on the day of the event we will hold a procession from somewhere in the city right to the stage at Masina where artistes will be performing,” he said.