The worsening foreign currency situation in Zimbabwe is having an impact on festivities, with a major music festival accepting payment in bond notes and bank transfers.
Local artists claim the decision to accept foreign currency will sideline them even more than they have been.
Several South African artists are set to be part of the big music lineup for the annual Vic Falls Carnival, now in its eighth year and a huge drawcard for tourists.
The resort town will host the three-day carnival from December 29 to 31, despite an economy hobbled by severe foreign currency shortages.
Local media analyst Mgcini Moyo said many locals faced challenges in terms of access to income. "There is a narrative that there is much foreign currency in Victoria Falls, yet that money doesn't come directly to locals. So charging tickets for the carnival in foreign currency is as good as segregating them," he said.
Flying Bantu, a four-member group from Victoria Falls, will share the stage with South African artists Prince Kaybee, Lady Zamar, BCUC, Black Motion and Freshlyground.
Organisers have created an ambitious programme to fill up the venue, the Victoria Falls Farm School.
Carnival director Darryn Lee said early-bird tickets - at $75 (about R1,062) for a three-day pass and $50 for a single entry - were already sold out. Last year, more than 10,000 tickets were sold.
"Every year the carnival grows bigger in attendance and in acts. Every year we welcome festival-goers from around the world. A lot of people also come from Victoria Falls and around Zimbabwe, as they want to support African talent and enjoy the carnival's many adventure activities on offer," said Lee.
Entry into the VIP pavilion costs $165 for the three days, and $65 for a two-day pass.
Ndabezinhle Sibanda, chair of the Victoria Falls Arts Assembly, said the carnival had little significance for local artists, who are often overshadowed by prominent foreign artists. "The local artists don't feel a part of the carnival, it's not theirs as they are not included in the lineup," he said.
Part of the carnival's activities this year will include a bush train party to Jafuta Siding, followed by a host of adventure activities that include bungee jumping, helicopter flights, rafting and a visit to the rainforest.
At the New Year's Eve party, organisers have encouraged attendees to drape themselves in their country's flag...