Art in the streets of Harare

Brenda Phiri
The Sunshine City of Harare is known for its glow that somehow manages to break out even in the midst of the worst weather. Besides its interesting people, the city tells a story through its different features. A popular feature, for example on some road intersections in Harare these days are lifesize metal sculptures of some of Africa’s big five animals.

Herald Lifestyle’s eye for the finer things in life was drawn to these larger than life art.  From fearless fighting bulls to eloquent long- necked giraffes and horses, one cannot help but give a second glance when passing through the busy intersections. It is a spectacle like no other.

Credit goes to one man who decided to give back to the community out of the goodness of his heart. James Suraji, otherwise known as “Batanai” because of his vision of reconnecting people and nature through art, is the stone and metal sculpture specialist behind the work.

“Art is priceless and can play an important role in preserving our heritage as black people. Although tourists appreciate these features, local people also preserve the right to enjoy it too,” he explained.

Suraji’s work presents the other side of art that is unorthodox yet beautiful in its own way. A dominant material, scrap metal, that is usually unattractive, in this case gives the sculpture character as it is skill fully applied.

“Art comes in different forms and although there are people who would rather have the metal sculptures vanished. This prevents rust for about three years but others are amused by the natural appearance of rust,” said the stone and metal sculpture specialist. Although Suraji admits he is getting exposure for his work through the practice, he insists his intentions go deeper than that.

“I have been overseas and many other foreign lands. I am fascinated by how they have made strides to incorporate in the modern world. Pyramids are symbolic to Egyptians as much as the Statue of Liberty is a prominent feature in New York.  The Brazilians take pride in their Statue of  Christ the Redeemer, so why not embrace our art too,” he said.

The 50-year-old revealed that local people can take their love art a step farther and bring them into their homes. The animal sculptures are capable of beautifying one’s yard and people can make them relevant in different ways.

“It is quiet surprising how our people give prominence to foreign themes when it comes to decorations. It would be pleasant if people would have their totems displayed on their yards or in the homes as a form of identifying oneself.

Music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi is also a proud son of the Samanyanga totem. His Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton also has a symbolic metal sculpture of an elephant to signify who he is.

At times good taste is all it takes to appreciate the true value of art and what it can do.
“I work from my base in Mbare but most of my work has found its way to Newlands roundabout, the Harare Showgrounds, Trek Chinhamo Service Station, Kelvin’s Corner as well as Pasangano in Avondale,” he said.

His initiative has since attracted the attention of players in the corporate world.  Sculptures that he placed at the Newlands roundabout have since been adopted by a local businessman who maintains the entire intersection.

Because of its attractive presentation, passers-by find themselves marvelling at the artwork.  Some stop over for pictures while others simply admire the talent of the artist.

“Over 20 years’ experience makes my job a walk in the park. Using scrap metal from old cars and iron bars most of the time is spent on building the animal’s frame. I work with my colleges Tonderai Nyamufinanyama, Raymond Chataira and wife Beritta Musukutwa at an open area.

We usually take two months to complete lifesize sculptures and half the time if there are constant power supplies for wielding,” he said.
At first glance, the sculptures look like a huge heap of metal but there is more to it than meets the eye. Saruji is an ordinary person with an extraordinary dream.

All he has is his art; a legacy he is striving to pass on to future generations.