Zimbabwean born Afro-Jazz artiste Dudu Manhenga put up a splendid and spirited performance that thrilled delegates during the recently held Victoria Falls Night jointly organised by Zimbabwe and Zambia on the sidelines of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly being held in the city of Gyeongju in Korea.
The over-subscribed but glamourous event held at the upmarket Hilton Hotel, was graced by high profile world dignitaries and delegates to the 19th session of the UNWTO General Assembly who included the deputy secretary general of the United Nations Asha-Rose Migiro and the secretary general of the UNWTO Dr Taleb Rifai among others.Color Blu Afro Jazz group fronted by Dudu as she is popularly known by her legion of fans back home and the Amaonde dance troupe from Zambia took turns to entertain the delegates.
The Zambian traditional music outfit did not disappoint as it brought the house closer to their culture. However, it was the enchanting Zimbabwean song writer Dudu and her Afro Jazz ensemble that ignited the night through their elegant stage work, amusing the crowd with their music which is a fusion of genres like Zimbabwean traditional, township and contemporary jazz.
The "Jula" hitmaker and her group are no strangers to such events having performed at numerous regional and international jazz festivals and shared the stage with household names like Oliver Mtukudzi, Dorothy Masuka and Judith Sephuma among others. Commenting on her stunning performance, Zimbabwe's secretary for tourism and hospitality Dr Sylvester Maunganidze who also doubled as the director of ceremonies could not hide his joy over the occasion.
"The ensemble is an epitome of African contemporary jazz. The dignity and prowess of their delivery at such an important platform which brings together world tourism leaders is indeed a worthwhile credit to her country, Zimbabwe A World of wonders. Dudu is a total embodiment of our wonderful people, remember that's our foremost and supreme wonder," he said. The Victoria Falls Night was hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia for the UNWTO delegates to advance their bidding to host the next General Assembly slated for 2013.
Zimbabwe, aptly known as the "World of Wonders" won the bid and the whole Southern African region is set to benefit from this mega tourism event. The hosting of the event will add impetus to the drive by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for the image transformation and re-positioning of the country as an attractive and competitive tourist destination. (Herald)
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