Zimbabwe finds millions to launch minister's album

CASH-STRAPPED Zimbabwe might be dogged by chronic food shortages, power blackouts, water cuts and fuel queues, but the government is putting its money where its mouth is - into its latest propaganda album.

Back2Black, a CD of pro-land reform songs written by Zimbabwe’s outspoken information minister, Jonathan Moyo, is being launched today amid pomp and fanfare at the country’s once-buzzing Victoria Falls luxury resort.

Guests, many of them from president Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party, and approved reporters are said to be booked on flights this morning from Harare to Victoria Falls.

Mr Moyo’s Department of Information and Publicity is believed to be footing much of the cost of the launch, estimated at several million Zimbabwean dollars.

Guests are being offered lunch and dinner at the five-star Elephant Hills Hotel, one report said.

The 26-song double album, featuring tracks supporting Mr Mugabe’s controversial land reform programme, will be launched during a river cruise at noon, the privately owned Standard newspaper reported, with the video being launched at 8pm.

State-run television, which Mr Moyo controls with an iron grip, has been gushing in its praise of the new release.

The album is a "delight and should capture the ear and heart of a wide audience", the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation said in a news bulletin on Thursday.

Regular viewers of Zimbabwean television might beg to differ. During his four-year stint as information minister, Mr Moyo has churned out numerous propaganda songs - and, it seems, charmed his way into Mr Mugabe’s heart.

The catchy tunes are usually aired every half an hour on state radio, up to 72 times a day.