Zimbabwean Artiste WeUtonga Asks Fans on Facebook to Get Her to Kenya

Being invited to perform at the September Edition of what is arguably East Africa’s premier Afro-fusion event, Blankets and Wine, was a ‘dream come true’ for Zimbabwean artiste Edith WeUtonga.

Unfortunately those dreams come with an US$8,000 (approximately Kshs. 680,000) price tag, one which Edith and her eight-piece band cannot afford.

Edith has been to countless potential corporate sponsors around Harare, Zimbabwe as well as other wealthy prospects but so far she has been turned down countlessly. Faced with limited options but committed to making it to Nairobi for the September 2nd date, the artiste has resorted to drumming up support from her fans on social media avenues and more so on Facebook.

“We require at least US$900 per person for the air fare and the yellow fever vaccination for each person costs about US$40 and that will bring the total to US$8 000,” she told Zimbabwe’s Sunday Mail. “The reason why I had to take that risk of asking help from my fans is because I feel I have worked hard enough to be where I am right now and cannot risk blowing the chance of performing in East Africa away.”

Zimbabwean media are baffled as to how an artiste of her calibre would resort to asking her fans for financial assistance but Edith flatly said:

“What I have done may disappoint many people who thought I was in a better position to help myself and most probably give back to the community, but the truth is I don’t have the money.”

Her latest post on Facebook was on Saturday where she wrote:

Goodmorning good people!!to all my fb family in Zimbabwe,please be advised that there is an account you can use for your contribution to my trip to Kenya.all you have to do is inbox me,and i wil send it to to you.thank you so much for the support.i kno with you by my side its gonna happen.

On successful arrival in Nairobi however, Blankets and Wine would offer Edith and her band accomodation, food and per diems. Edith is requesting for contributions of not less than US$10. You can see her Facebook page: Edith WeUtonga.

Have a listen to Edith WeUtonga’s track ‘Wakaranga’ below…