Zahara returns to Zimbabwe

SOUTH AFRICAN songstress Zahara, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, of the Loliwe fame is expected to perform at this year's second edition of the Green Concert slated for 7 Arts Theatre on May 9 at Avondale Shopping Centre, Harare.

The concert which serves as an environmental awareness campaign through music, dance and song is going to be held under the theme, Zero Tolerance to Poaching, Zero Tolerance to Litter.

The concert is the brainchild of musician and Goodwill Ambassador for Water Conservation and Zero Littering Campaign, Dereck Mpofu.  In an interview, Mpofu said negotiations with Zahara are at an advanced stage and they have already started the paperwork to bring the musician.

'Zahara has been here (Zimbabwe) on several occasions, but this time it would be a different platform as she is billed to perform at the Green Concert', Mpofu said.

'As part of the concert, Zahara will have a tour of national parks which were recently affected by the death of over 90 elephants due to cyanide poisoning in a poaching syndicate.' Mpofu said the event would be a night of song and dance.

'On the day, people will be celebrating the country's environment and future. The show would address issues affecting the local environment and ways to preserve it,' Mpofu said.

'Some of the issues which will be discussed include litter, water conservation, poaching, tree planting and pollution, among others.'

Zahara is expected to lead a clean-up exercise in the central business district where she will be joined by His Worship Harare mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni, among other guests, who include the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Change, Saviour Kasukuwere.

Last year's concert was a major success attracting a sizable crowd. The Loliwe singer, who was in the country in December last year to launch her album Phendula, is expected to share stage with an array of local musicians who include Willis Wataffi - the other half of African Revenge, among others.

Zahara is currently riding high with her second album Phendula which is doing well both in South Africa and locally.  Her energetic performance when she performed both in Harare and Bulawayo proved that the she has established herself as a stage favourite for many citizens.

The green concert event is part of the Green Ambassador's mission to promote positive attitudes and initiatives with regards to environmental issues.