CHOMBA MUSIKA, Lusaka
WITHIN hours of South African actress and television presenter Boity Thulo posting a picture of herself at the Lusaka July on Instagram, a picture which showed how she had nailed down the theme of African luxury, it had over 30,000 likes.
Of course, the numbers that turned up at Lusaka Polo Club last Saturday for the Lusaka July, a spin-off of the Durban July, were not close to 30,000. But a good number of socialites, celebrities and A-listers in Lusaka headed to the Polo Club to indulge in luxury and glamour.
There was just no way they were going to miss out.
The colourful event, which started towards noon, also saw some of Africa’s marvellous fashion displays by designers from South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia on stage.
The K700 entry charge was no barrier with all the luxury that was on show.
After 11:00 hours, elegantly dressed celebrities including Boity started arriving to a red carpet walk at the event which was recently introduced by PR Girl Media, a boutique public relations and events agency specialised in providing digital and traditional public relations solutions.
Those spotted on the red carpet include media personality Lulu Wood. Accompanied by her hubby William, Lulu stylishly walked the red carpet clad in a pink single hand mini dress and matching fluffy heels from Le Closet Boutique.
Songster Salma Sky also slayed the red carpet in her imposing black and brown animal print cape designer dress and matching black boots.
Songstress Mampi donned the red carpet in a long pink dress with floral details.
Male A-listers where spotted in tuxedos and Afrocentric outfits.
As guests dined and wined, Afro jazz artiste James Sakala churned out several beats as host DJ Superstar took over the console.
Towards 17:00 hours, fashion designers showcased their collections. The designers included South African fashion label Quiteria and George and Zambian designers Esnoko by Chiza, Debbie Chu and Mwenge of Lace.
Ivorian fashion label Totally Ethnik and Botswana’s fashion label iZaura Designs also featured their impressive collections.
The audience went wild when Salma featured on the runway clad in a striking gispy skirt and white necklace blouse by Chiza Design, who also dressed Cleo Ice Queen, who was host of the event.
Earlier, PR Girl Media events coordinator Monde Nyambe thanked the audience for turning up.
“I must say, all of you look out of this world,” she said.
And Boity, who was occasionally being engaged by admirers wanting selfies, told journalists that she was touched with the good hospitality that she had received from Zambians.
“It’s exciting to see a different Polo July,” said the artiste whose was clad in a boob tube and matching Lorbani, and is known for her role as Mpho Bogatsu on Mzansi Magic’s Rockville and as presenter for e.tv’s music show, Club 808.
Later, Stanley Kaseke, who wore an imposing black and gold cape designer outfit, was announced as the best dressed male while Chisanga Muma got the nod in the female category.
Their best outfits earned them free return flights to Durban courtesy of Proflight.
The crescendo of the memorable event was the unveiling of brand new artiste Zarani whose dance moves and soprano wowed the audience which danced into the Lusaka July after party held at the Horse Shoe restaurant after 19:00 hours.