malvernmugadzikwa
Takawira Dapi
AFRICAN artistes are rallying behind President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), describing his assumption of the office as an auspicious development that is likely to have an impact on the region.
South Africa-based jazz crooner Louis Mhlanga described the successful hosting of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government as a milestone achievement for Zimbabwe.
“As an African artiste, I am delighted to share my thoughts on Zimbabwe’s hosting and chairmanship of SADC,” said Mhlanga.
“This is a momentous occasion, showcasing Zimbabwe’s leadership and commitment to regional development.”
He welcomed the new chairman and expressed hope that the arts industry would also benefit.
The jazz singer suggested several ways to boost artistes’ relations within the region.
“To enhance the internationalisation of artistes’ businesses and ensure no one is left behind economically, I suggest the following under the new chair’s leadership: the establishment of an arts and culture fund to support artistes’ projects and initiatives; the creation of a regional digital platform for artistes to showcase and sell their work globally; the facilitation of collaboration and exchange programmes between the arts body and international counterparts; the development and implementation of policies protecting artistes’ rights and interests; and the boosting of SADC-wide festivals and events celebrating our diverse cultural heritages.”
Mhlanga believes these initiatives have the potential to empower artistes, stimulate economic growth and promote regional unity. Swakopmund Acapella Singers, an internationally acclaimed Namibian band, also congratulated Zimbabwe.
The group’s chairperson, 29-year-old Titage Uiseb, said: “Congratulations to Zimbabwe for successfully hosting the event. Swakopmund wishes you the best and a good working environment.
“African artistes face many challenges that need attention.
“As a group, we have faced one specific problem: we once received an invitation from Germany but could not travel due to visa issues caused by lack of funds.
“We need funding as young African artistes and representatives of the entire region to go overseas and showcase our African artistry and the diversity of Africa to the world. We want to travel overseas, host African concerts and build our own arts centres.”
Multi-award-winning Mozambican singer Stewart Sukuma, who has been in the music industry for over four decades, similarly congratulated President Mnangagwa.
“I think one of the biggest challenges we face . . . is the lack of independent representation of arts and culture at summits of this nature. We hope the new chairperson will historically create many merits for artistes, starting with our own annual SADC-funded arts festival during his jurisdiction,” said Sukuma.
His Batswana counterpart, Naledi “Slizer” Kaisara, was equally ecstatic.
“From my Botswana president to you also my President E.D. Mnangagwa, I am so happy for you and I know you will continue doing the best.
“I believe in change for the best, so I am very happy for Zimbabwe. I have realised that the President and his Zimbabwe are always giving great support to their artistes, regardless of origin.
“We often come and perform in Zimbabwe and the country’s hospitality is the best.
“This is the time for unity in Southern Africa and for Zimbabwe to teach and lead African artistes’ businesses,” she said.
South Africa-based music producer Jah Seed of Bongo Maffin called for the new chairman to push for the introduction of a new currency for the region.
“Big congratulations to Zimbabwe. With a great chair comes great responsibility.
“Let this be a period that continues to shape our region and not just another symposium.
“President Mnangagwa’s SADC chairmanship must historically push for a SADC currency in our lifetime to deliberately empower the children of SADC and all generations to come, hence the spread effects will be felt by SADC citizens,” said Jah Seed.
“It is now time for less talk and more action. If you cannot implement certain things by day, do implement them at night. We are not poor, but we are just not a united Africa.
“Look at the United States; they are not perfect, but they are united as a country. If SADC does not foster that kind of unity, the next thing is going to be disintegration.”
Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105 Arts and Culture Promotions, who has hosted several international artistes, including Mhlanga, Soul Brothers and Ringo Madlingozi, echoed the artistes’ sentiments.
“The chairmanship should bring hope and growth to the arts industry through synergies and collaborations. Music needs numbers, and if we can move as a bloc, it will propel our artistes to the levels that Nigerian and United States artistes have achieved through the support they get from their huge populations.
“As a promoter, I would be happy to see a SADC music festival, where there are massive interactions between the people of this region and their artistes,” said Hozheri.
Multi-award-winning dendera crooner Suluman Chimbetu said: “This is a great opportunity that can cultivate corporate, cultural and intellectual exchange among artistes of the region. It is an opportunity that needs to be taken advantage of.”
SADC was formed on April 1, 1980, in Lusaka, Zambia, as the Southern African Development Coordinating Conference (SADCC). It was renamed SADC in 1992.
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are the member states.
Online Reporter