Visa delays hit Carl Joshua Ncube as X-Factor star is announced for Zim Achievers Awards

Delays in the processing of his visa have forced comedian Carl Joshua Ncube to pull out of his role as host of this year's Zimbabwe Achievers Awards that are scheduled to take place on Saturday 9th May in Kensington, London.

The news of Ncube's withdrawal come as the ZAA organisers have also announced the participation of three new artistes at tomorrow's event. Teeside singer Bre Musiq who made it up to the Judges Houses stage of the 2014 X-Factor competition will wow guests with his funky and soulful R&B and will be joined in tomorrow's line up of performers by Essex rappers Yung Jo and Leroy and Mbira-playing crooner John Falsetto.

Comedian Ncube, who was looking forward to his maiden performance in the UK and entering the country legally, is all but left with stowing away on a cargo plane or somehow chartering a military jet and then parachuting himself down in London's Hyde Park in order for him to make it for tomorrow's show. But being an abiding observer of the law, Carl has accepted, regretfully, that he will not make it to the UK in time for his maiden UK performance.

Announcing the news of Carl's visa delays which have led to his withdrawal, ZAA EXecutive Director Brian Nyabunze said: "We would like to apologise unreservedly to all our guests who were looking forward to Carl Joshua Ncube joining us for the fifth edition of the ZAA's this coming weekend.

"Owing to the length of time to process visas it is unfortunate that Carl will not be able to meet the date for our awards event despite all attempts made to ensure his attendance."

Carl, who is scheduled to tour Europe in early July, has said that he will still continue with the visa process and has agreed to do a show on a date to be disclosed which will be free for all holders of ZAA tickets.

"To all those who have purchased tickets for the awards on the 9th, your tickets will remain valid for an evening with Carl on a date to be announced soon," said Nyabunze.

A statement released by Ncube's management expressed sincere apologies on behalf of Carl and the team.

"Due to the unforseen circumstances beyond our control, Carl Joshua Ncube will not be able to attend the awards as previously anticipated. Carl who is due to tour Europe soon has offered to set a day aside to come to the UK and entertain ZAA guests who have purchased tickets for the awards.

"On behalf of Carl and the team, we apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused and hope you will continue to support the awards. We also look forward to seeing you very soon once all documents have been processed," the statement read.

Meanwhile, all preparations for tomorrow's show are now complete and organisers expect to deliver a successful night of celebration, glamour and entertainment. The newly announced performers bring a fusion of traditional and urban styles that will see guests compelled to part with the comfort of their seats and take to the dance floor.

Falsetto, real name John Pfumojena, has a voice that resonates with the nuances akin to a musical legend, albeit one in the making. With powerful and dynamic vocals he has not only toured countries ranging from Algeria to Ireland, he has also performed alongside African musical juggernauts such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Salif Keita and Ismaelo. Combining Mbira, with traditional sungura strings and a voice that evokes sounds of otherworldly beauty and nostalgia of a past land, John Pfumojena is definitely a star in the making.

Bre Musiq has supported acts including Professor Green, DJ Ironik and Tinie Tempah. Last year saw him audition for the X Factor where he created buzz with his rendition of Blackstreet's  "No Diggity".

"I've heard some good things about the Zim Achievers Awards in the past, and to be given the opportunity to take part is an honour. I am really chuffed if I have to put it in one word."

"I will also have to compete with Carl Joshua Ncube for the ladies attention, he may dazzle them with his humour but I plan to serenade them with music.Seriously though, I can't wait to be part of such a prestigious event"

Bre, who was born in  Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, joined his school choir at the age of 12 and quickly found his passion to sing and perform.

"I was lucky enough to have been surrounded by gospel choirs when I was a kid, 
picking up a wealth of experience in performing to crowds and developing   my confidence as a person and as an artist as well." Bre said.

He moved to the UK in his early teens and  through his love for music formed a group called Young Rydaz. For three years the group were at the peak of their career ,performing and collaborating with other well known artists and featuring on TV and getting airplay on local radio stations in the UK.

The Southend-on-Sea rappers, 22 year old Yung Jo and 20 year old Leroy have been honing their craft as wordsmiths and poets-on-beats got hooked on rhymes from their early teens and have built up up a respectable underground following for their craft. Guests can expect to two-step to some hard spitting on sick beats as the duo strut their stuff as they serve a flavour of UK Zimbo youth culture.