adminfrom even the disadvantaged communities.
Mayor Masunda said this at the graduation ceremony of 33 students at the Zimbabwe College of Music last Friday in Harare where he was the guest of honour.
Twelve students who included gospel musician Charles Charamba and Rute Mbangwa graduated with national certificates, 12 others with degrees of Bachelor of Music in Ethnomusicology while five students graduated with degrees in music and jazz.
“You are the true music ambassadors, you can argue eloquently in music and I urge you to exhibit an exceptional flair in composition clarity of your message and unique adventurous use of instruments,” said Masunda.
Masunda challenged the College of Music to redouble its efforts to contribute to the social life of the urbanites and help in the resuscitation of community centres, particularly in the high-density suburbs where the majority of people live.
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“The power of music should not be underestimated as music pacifies a restless nation and it also carries the soul on a journey of love as well as ridicule enmity between foes and brings them together,” he said.
The Mayor applauded the immense social contributions done by musicians of yesteryear like Safirio Madzikatire, Susan Chenjerai, John White, Jacob Mhungu, Augustine Musarurwa, Marceline and Jonathan Chieza, to name but just a few.
Masunda said great ideas of the African people emanated at music social gatherings in the townships.
The major meeting places were Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare, Cyril Jennings Hall, popularly known as CJ in Highfield as well as Stanley Hall in Makokoba and McDonald Hall in Mzilikazi in Bulawayo.
Charamba was elated by his achievement.
“I am very happy because I can now read and write music and my main aim is to become an accomplished musician,” said an ecstatic Charamba.
Zimbabwe College of Music then Rhodesia College of Music was established in 1947 by the then City of Salisbury as a vital cog in providing professionalism in the music sector. Various stakeholders of the City of Harare and beyond have benefited from the college.
Online Reporter