Call for solidarity among artists
Providence Moyo
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has made a plea for solidarity and unity in combating challenges faced by artists in the country.
The appeal came at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre during a memorial service of Insimbi Zezhwane members Elvis Mathe popularly known as Ma Eli and Thembinkosi Mpofu whose stage name was Maviri. Both men passed on last week after the Hilux they were travelling in burst a front tyre, veered off the road and hit a tree.
Speaking to thousands of people in attendance, NACZ representative Raphael Jomo said artist should coalesce and form associations that will help champion their welfare.
“I would like to urge artists to form associations that will speak with one voice on their welfare and increase their visibility for easy access to resources because when they speak with one voice they stand a better chance of being heard even by government,” he said.
Jomo added; “Artists must learn to seek professional assistance so that they rise to fame just like Insimbi Zezhwane who took it upon themselves to associate with professional people who helped the team to grow. They went a step further to engage a professional band manager uSaGqomu and that professionalism took the band to the world. As NACZ one of our main objectives is capacitation of local artists for them to be able to read contracts so that they understand that art is a business so that they are not taken advantage of.”
Jomo expressed his faith in the remaining band members and backed them to rise from the setback and carry on.
“Artsits must follow proper channels so that they are protected and I am convinced that today is not the end of the road for Insimbi Zezhwane because of the high levels of professionalism within the team. There is a way of doing things that Ma Eli followed and it is upon team members to read the script for the band to move forward.”
He also took the opportinity to commend Tsholotsho residents for their continued support of local talent that has enabled the development of youngsters who are flying the district’s flag high.
“Tsholotsho has raised several icons who have benefitted from the support of Tsholotsho residents. These include Dj Mapressa, Zinjaziyamluma, Insimbi Zezhwane, Tsheba boys amongst others who have put Tsholotsho on the map. Well done Tsholotsho for supporting these individuals who are the face of arts and entertainment in the area.”
Speaking during the same event, Mxolisi Mavundla popularly known as Zinjaziyamluma, who has been working with the deceased revealed that the team was working on a trip to London when the tragedy struck.
“Kubuhlungu okwenzakale lapha ngoba labafowethu besisahlela uhambo lokuthi siye eLondon bayehlabela khona” said the teary artist.
Scores of artists were in attendance and they include Jeys Marabini, Black Umfolosi, Sandra Ndebele, Clement Magwaza, Ugodolude, Zinjaziyamluma, Dj Mapressa, Ma9 , Mlambos Express band, amongst others.
