Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TWENTY-FIVE widows of deceased artists from across Zimbabwe have united to form the Creatives’ Widows Association of Zimbabwe (CREWAZ).
Chaired by Zvanyadza Tendaupenyu, the widow of Tairos Tendaupenyu, known for the hit song “Furuwa”, the 10-member committee seeks to address challenges affecting their well-being and combat the stigma they face.
The association was conceived at a time when many of these widows are wallowing in poverty, unable to make ends meet, pay rent, or send their children to school.
Eloice Sibanda, the widow of Marko Sibanda, has been voted vice chairperson, while Aripawo Muchawaya, who was married to Ketai Muchawaya is the treasurer.
Tatenda Pinjisi’s young widow has assumed the role of secretary, with Joyce Chari, the widow of former Farai Brothers leader Shame Masangudze, deputising her.
Moses Rwizi’s widow, Christine Matongorere, Esther Musango (Daiton Somanje), Barbara Mabuyaye (System Tazvida), Ratidzo Tecla Marasha (Biggie Tembo) and Manyara Muchandibaya, the widow of Wiseman Magaya, are also committee members.
To strengthen their efforts, the committee has enlisted Kireni Zulu as their superintendent, who proposed the initiative after years of supporting widows alongside renowned medical practitioner Dr Johannes Marisa.
During their first meeting at Reinham Farm in Harare on Wednesday, the 25-member group vowed to work together and initiate income-generating projects to address their challenges.
“We are glad that we managed to hold our first meeting here as widows of legendary creatives who made an impression during their lifetimes. This movement is critical for us because our husbands entertained the nation and created lasting memories, yet most of us are now struggling to make ends meet.
“As widows, we formed this movement to ensure that we speak with one voice and are heard when we appeal for help from well-wishers,” said the chair of CREWAZ.
“Many of the widows here have lost most of their possessions to relatives and other greedy individuals after their husbands passed away, and this issue has been haunting many of them for years. In short, we are saying let’s unite as widows and appeal for help to start projects and work hard despite these challenges.”
Tendaupenyu acknowledged that they also face societal stigma as widows, an issue they need to address urgently.
“As widows of departed artists, there is a lot of stigma and false accusations that have been levelled against us. I am grateful to people like Kireni Zulu, who has been supporting and advising us to unite and work as a team,” she stressed.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Tazvida’s widow, who has been vocal about their plight.
“This movement is not limited to the widows of musicians but extends to creatives in other genres. Our main concern is that we are struggling to make ends meet, yet we are capable of providing for our families once empowered by individuals and other philanthropists. We now have a movement and a committee that will enable us to formalise our operations,” she emphasised.
CREWAZ patron and benefactor, Professor Marisa has pledged to assist the widows in their efforts and made various commitments.
He expressed his dismay at how many of these widows are portrayed.
“For your information, these strong women face numerous challenges in society, and what we are simply asking is for people to embrace them as they are. We cannot continue to label them negatively because they have lost their loved ones. Surely, these ladies need our support, and we can only help by empowering them to start projects,” he added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kireni, who proposed the idea alongside fellow musician Onias Mahachi.
“I am passionate about the welfare of artists, particularly widows and their children. I came up with this vision after realizing that many creative widows were struggling to make ends meet. We advised them to form a committee, which is now responsible for their needs so that they can speak with one voice when seeking help from organisations or individuals,” he emphasized.
“It’s easier to negotiate for deals as a group than as individuals, and we want to address this issue,” he stated.
By forming an association, CREWAZ is set to change the plight of many widows and vulnerable women. Other widows who have endorsed this movement include Daisy Mtukudzi, Eunice Munatsi (Leonard Dembo’s widow), and Nelia David (John Chibadura’s widow).
