Jamaican artistes land into Carnival disappointment

Standard Style
Two Jamaican artistes Rory Pike and Gregory “Tafari” James, who landed in Zimbabwe on Thursday night for the Harare International Carnival, were dealt a huge blow upon arrival when they were informed that the cultural diversity showcase had been postponed indefinitely.

Two Jamaican artistes Rory Pike and Gregory “Tafari” James, who landed in Zimbabwe on Thursday night for the Harare International Carnival, were dealt a huge blow upon arrival when they were informed that the cultural diversity showcase had been postponed indefinitely.

By Kennedy Nyavaya

Jamaican artistes Rory Pike and Gregory “Tafari” James in the Alpha Media Holdings newsroom last week. Picture: Aaron Ufumeli

The duo, currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, had flown all the way to mingle with both local and touring groups from around the world at the event, which was set to culminate in a mega street party on Saturday.

“We just learned this morning that (the carnival) has been postponed). we got here yesterday, but we met the CE of the department of tourism, so he apologised and then explained the reason and we understand the situation,” Pike told The Standard Style on Friday.

Known by the stage names Mr Pike and Tafari, the musicians, who were supposed to perform at a dancehall event organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) yesterday, added that they had planned to use their first visit to jump-start their career’s.

“It’s like I have always wanted to visit Africa I have been in communication with a few artistes and the music generally is growing crazy and not only that, but the type of impact I am hoping to have as far as the positive influence, social changes I feel this was like just the perfect opportunity,” said Mr Pike.

Tafari chipped in: “I am here for two weeks, I am trying to work with all the artistes as much as we can, but when I leave here I would not mind if I do compilations with artistes from here to help them expose themselves.”

Meanwhile, ZTA has organised a vast itinerary for the two that will include touring local ghettos, studio sessions with emerging and established artistes as well as a trip to Victoria Falls during their stay.

“When we go to the communities and hear their stories and try to experience what they experience, then we just got a high level of education as far as Zimbabwe is concerned,” said Mr Pike.