Few people would dare open new companies in the current  challenging economic environment in Zimbabwe, especially lifestyle related businesses.

Enter newcomer ZARK Zimbabwe, whose launch party, set for Friday, December 9, 2016, at Alexandra Park Sports Club in Harare brings in some of the big guns of Zimbabwean entertainment.

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ZARK has been in business for under three months and wants to announce its arrival in a big way.

The launch party, which is being put together in partnership with SIMMAD Entertainment, will feature  performances by MTV award-winning artist, currently making waves on the African continent with his hit single, ‘Watora Mari’, Jah Prayzah, the Mukoko Queen, Ammara Brown, dancehall sensation, Freeman, ‘chibaba’, Soul Jah Luv and Dhadza D.

Speaking at the launch of the cigarette company in Harare recently, chief executive officer of Cavendish Lloyd Zimbabwe, the holding company for ZARK, Norbert Chimushamu, said that getting the company up and running had been difficult. “It’s been a tough journey to get where we are today,” he said.

“Many people discouraged me from venturing into the cigarette as they said I would not have the capacity to stand against other players who are already in it.

“However, I persevered and partnered with people who believed in my vision and today we have our product on the market and so far the feedback has been great,” he explained.

Chimushanu indicated that they are planning to do launch parties throughout the country.

“The gig happening this Friday is just the beginning of the many more to come.

“We want to take the product to the people via these concerts and roadshows we have lined up, so that consumers get a better appreciation of our brand.”

It’s not only a tough economy that ZARK has to fight though. Around the world, anti-tobacco lobbyists continue to fight to end smoking. The challenge for economies like Zimbabwe, which rely heavily on tobacco production and exports, is how to walk that fine line between national economic interest and public health.

So for now, tobacco companies enjoy strong support from the government.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Walter Mzembi endorsed the ZARK cigarette and said he was happy this product was creating employment for many in Zimbabwe.

“This product is enhancing our employment profiles in the country, the distribution model shared to me by the management of the company is harnessing a number of our informal traders and I’m reliably informed that to date they have registered 750 informal traders,” said Mzembi.

“I am here to endorse ZARK and I am happy with the employment you are creating and we hope to see you grow.

“I believe that as the public becomes more aware of the fact that they are smoking a brilliant cigarette, there will be more uptake.”