Award — WINNING jazz crooner and arts administrator, Agga Nyabinde, has endorsed The Herald Lifestyle fashion show dubbed "Fashion & Exhibition" as a game-changer in promoting African culture.
The event, which takes place at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare on June 22, will be a celebration of fashion and music under one roof.
The event will run under the theme: "Glitz and Glam-fashion Style".
And, being a high-profile fashion fête, quality music will be churned out to keep guests entertained.
Agga, who will be performing alongside Ashton "Mbeu" Nyahora, Bernard Betera, Taffie and Eleana Makombe, can't wait for the event.
"It's an honour being associated with Zimpapers, the biggest media stable in the country.
"Fashion is a critical component in our culture since it defines us as a people.
"Culture is also critical in our lives since it also gives us an identity as a nation.
"The Herald Lifestyle fashion show has come at a time when we are promoting the national fabric and we feel honoured that people are donning it with pride during high-profile events," he said.
Agga, who was recently appointed the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) communications and marketing manager, hailed Zimpapers for promoting fashion and culture.
"The initiative Zimpapers has taken shows how serious they are in promoting our identity.
"I urge young and seasoned designers to utilise the platform by showcasing their wares at the event.
"I also urge them to take this initiative to the grassroots so that we catch them young," he added.
Commenting on the preparations, Zimpapers Public Relations and Communications manager, Pauline Matanda, said it was all systems go.
"Preparations are at an advanced stage, actually, all is set for this glamorous fashion extravaganza not to be missed.
"We had initially planned it for May 25, but had to postpone due to other national events on the same day.
"There is exhibition space and partnership packages from US$1 000 bronze, US$2 000 silver, US$3 000 gold and the platinum one for US$5 000," she said.
Matanda added that Zimpapers was still open for new partners.
"As we indicated, those willing to partner with us in this initiative can still contact Spindy, Lynn or Tafadzwa on numbers on the adverts.
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"We are planning to make it an annual event and cater for everyone."
The Fashion Council of Zimbabwe (FCoZ), Style Icon of Zimbabwe (SIZA), Jive Zimbabwe, Edmar Beauty and Spa, Miss Universe Zimbabwe, 4 May International and Esteem Communications are some of the partners.
Renowned designers taking part in the event include Joyce Chimanye (Zuvaa), Tapfumaneyi Munenga (Coco brand), Ishmael Tsakatsa (Zarguesia), Jasper Mandizera (Ivhu Tribe), Dapper Kings, Hilz Couture, Charmaine Nziradzemhuka, Paz and Chivz and Chenna Neni among others.
Entertainment-wise, guests are guaranteed variety with Mbeu and Agga raring to go. Eleana will not be out to add numbers.
Bernard Betera who was inspired by the late Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi has been afforded a rare platform to shine.
Taffie is also part of the line-up.
What raises the appeal of this line-up is that it is dominated by young blood who have their country at heart.
Meanwhile, guests attending the event will have to fork out US$10 for the ordinary ticket and US$50 for VIP tickets.
Radio personalities -- Becky K and Hollywood Lee -- will be the hosts of the event, while red carpet hosts will be announced next week.
Judging by the feedback of the event, it's a "must attend" fashion fête where both gurus and new-comers will be showcasing their stuff.
