HARARE - Organisers of the Tokwe-Mukorsi Benefit Concert, which was initially set for May 10, insist the show will go ahead once the necessary logistical support is in place.
Lawrence Chinoperekwei, the representative of Divine Assignments — the promoters of the show — told the Daily News that a date for the concert would be announced as soon as stakeholders resolve pressing challenges.
“The show is still on. It’s only that we are facing some logistical problems,” said Chinoperekwei.
While Chinoperekwei was unprepared to say more on the charity concert “until further notice”, a well-placed source, who declined to be identified, said government officials were behind the postponement of the charity event from its original May 10 date.
“Some politicians advised the organisers at the eleventh hour to postpone the event. These guys said the concert should be moved forward so that they could avail the necessary resources but the promised support has not materialised. The top guys have not kept their word at all,” said the source.
Scores of leading Zimbabwean musicians have expressed interest in taking part in the concert whose proceeds are meant to assist Tokwe-Mukorsi flood victims who are based at Chingwizi Transit Camp.
Musicians who have agreed to perform include Olivia and Charles Charamba, Blessing Shumba, Sebastian Magacha, Mathias Mhere, Mechanic Manyeruke, Albert Nyathi, Jah Prayzah, Progress Chipfumo, Extra Kwazvose, Nicholas Zacharia, Jacob Moyana, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima , Gary Tight, The Dembo Brothers, Romeo Gasa, Extra Large, Leonard Mapfumo, Shiga Shiga, Cindy, Maskiri, Trevor Dongo, Leonard Zhakata, Mudiwa, Dadza D, Guspy Warrior and Kina.
The insistence by Government officials that they should be involved in the Tokwe-Mukorsi concerts, appears to be slowing down charity initiatives meant to assist the flood victims.
Proceeds from the Green Concert featuring South African artiste Zahara were only presented last Friday, more than a month after the show was held.
The delay was caused by the fact that government denied the Green Concert organisers the chance to present proceeds of the show directly to Tokwe-Mukorsi floods victims.
Dereck Mpofu, one of the organisers of the Green Concert, told the Daily News that the event, held at the 7 Arts Theatre on May 9, raised $10 500 which reached the intended beneficiaries late because of government’s insistence that the money be channelled via State channels.
“We were advised to donate the proceeds through retired major Mathias Tongofa who is the Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment deputy minister. Tongofa is the one who will take the donation to the flood victims at Chingwizi Transit Camp,” Mpofu said.