Afro-Jazz Musician Ringo to Replace Bongo Maffin
Top South African reggae-pop outfit, Bongo Maffin, is not coming to Zimbabwe for the Africa Tourism Night Concert organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre tonight.
Another prominent South African artiste, Afro-jazz musician Ringo Madlinglozi, will replace the group that was billed to perform alongside Mafikizolo, Extra Musica from Congo-Brazzaville, Botswana sensation Vee and Tongai Moyo, among others.
The chief executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Mr Karikoga Kaseke, yesterday said Bongo Maffin had yesterday communicated to them advising them that they would not be coming for the concert but would instead be travelling to Burkina Faso for another concert.
“The reasons for their cancellation are not clear, but Bongo Maffin just communicated to us saying that they would not make it for the Africa Tourism Night Concert but would be instead travelling to Burkina Faso for a show there,” he said.
To those who had bought tickets, our apology is very emphatic. There are some people who had bought the tickets expecting to see especially Bongo Maffin performing, we sincerely apologise to them.
“We are even prepared to refund them if they feel short-changed. They are free to come to us before the show and claim refunds if they really feel they wanted to see Bongo Maffin in action,” he said.
Mr Kaseke, however said Mafikizolo and Vee were still coming to Zimbabwe for the concert as expected. He said members of Mafikizolo would be jetting into the country either this morning or in the afternoon, while Vee was said to be travelling to Zimbabwe from his Botswana base by road. The Tourism Night Concert is part of this year’s edition of the Travel Expo organised by ZTA. The Travel Expo kicked off on Thursday and has attracted hundreds of buyers and exhibitors from the region and abroad.
The showcase comes to an end on Sunday but not before revellers are treated to a music extravaganza pitting some of Africa’s greatest musicians who are also the continent’s tourism, arts and cultural ambassadors abroad.
[Via The Herald ]
