Harare — AMERICAN hip hop outfit, AFAR will present an early Christmas present for local hip hop fans when they showcase their act at free concerts to be held in Harare and Bulawayo on December 6 and 7, respectively.

The Atlanta-based group's trip to Zimbabwe is being organized by the

United States Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS).

"The visit by these hip hop artists is meant to promote cultural understanding between Zimbabwe and the US," said Mark Weinberg, Assistant Public Affairs officer at the US embassy.

The group will perform two live shows in Harare at Andy Miller Hall on December 6 and then put up the same act the following day at Bulawayo City Hall.

Free tickets to both shows can be collected in Harare at the US embassy Public Affairs section, Harare College of Music and Bulawayo's Amakhosi Theatre, Bulawayo Public Library at the American Corner.

As part of the group's tour, they will also conduct workshops with young urban grooves artists in Harare and Bulawayo.

"AFAR's tour will showcase an important aspect of American culture, while hopefully inspiring Zimbabwean youths interested in music. Their tour is a great opportunity to build links between American and Zimbabwean hip hop artists and lovers," said Weinberg.

AFAR is a five-piece band including members with rock, jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues backgrounds.

It is made up of Richard Johnson, Che Marshall, Marc Baldwin, Double D and MC Jah.