Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
A TROUBLING “begging syndrome” has become prevalent in Zimbabwe’s showbiz, with arts critics and observers now sounding the alarm.
This phenomenon, where even seemingly financially stable artistes publicly solicit aid, is beginning to prompt very serious questions.
The situation has become so alarming that many veterans are now more recognised for their public appeals than artistic talents.
While it has been rewarding for some, who have managed to bag new cars and cash, among other luxuries, the practice has, however, unfortunately normalised begging as a means of survival or even enrichment.
This is particularly concerning, as young, aspiring artistes look up to these figures as role models, despite their waning influence.
The irony is not lost on observers, as some of these very individuals once flaunted their wealth at the height of their careers.
A missed opportunity
The Covid-19-induced lockdown, which left many artistes in dire straits, should have served as a wake-up call for creatives to explore alternative income streams.
As it currently stands, the local showbiz industry risks nurturing a new generation of beggars.
Examples abound in the music industry.
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, often hailed as the godfather of sungura, has publicly pleaded for basic necessities like food hampers, despite his long-standing career.
At the moment, he is appealing for funds from well-wishers to foot medical bills for his worsening health condition.
Similarly, prominent sungura artiste First Farai, a Zimbabwe Music Rights (Zimura) board member, recently begged for a car and instruments.
The young Tedious Muchapedza Matsito (Jnr) has joined the long list of beggars, also pleading for a car and possibly instruments.
It is the same case with veteran sungura singer Sugar Sugar (born Taruvinga Manjokota), the “Mairosi” and “Juliana” hitmaker, who has also extended a begging bowl and is accusing fans of “neglecting” him despite having enjoyed a fair share of fame and fortune.
Recently, musician Tongai “Greatman” Gwaze received a car from his fans after a successful GoFundMe campaign raised over US$10 000.
This initiative followed the artiste’s public appeal for assistance, which was presumably spurned by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
However, the same fans have recently been annoyed by the singer’s continued solicitations for gifts from the same businessman.
The list is endless!
In stark contrast, the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo is often cited as a legend, who maintained his dignity by refusing to be a charity case.
Dhewa would literally go on stage from his hospital bed just to raise money for his medical bills and fend for his family.
His close circle would, however, chip in here and there for support.
Worryingly, begging has also become the norm for other art forms, including film, television, literature, dance, theatre and fine arts, with some yesteryear mentors now accusing their mentees of neglect.
This unfortunate situation has not only brought shame to the creative sector but has also stripped respected role models and influencers of their dignity.
The environment of suspicion and blame has severely compromised the mentor-mentee bond, hindering growth and creativity in favour of conflict and defensiveness.
A call for self-reliance
Fellow showbiz gurus, arts administrators, mentors and promoters largely concur that this “begging syndrome” has to be urgently addressed before it becomes an entrenched cultural norm.
They note that artistes are not any different from any other members of society who privately foot their own medical bills or fend for their families without making public appeals for assistance.
They even note that most artistes earn more than the average Zimbabwean.
Kireni Zulu, a yesteryear musician actively encouraging his generation to make a comeback and share life lessons, strongly opposes the obtaining trend.
“We risk being stripped of our dignity if this begging continues,” he warned.
Zulu disapproves the tendency to criticise those they once helped for a lack of support, asserting that children are not obligated to assist their parents and should do so willingly, not under duress.
He emphasised that stars begging for basics not only tarnish their image but also set a poor example for the younger generation.
“It is disheartening to read sad tales of them falling into poverty,” he said, reflecting on idols whose wealth was once publicly paraded.
Seasoned arts promoter, real estate mogul and businesswoman Barbara “Mama Red Rose” Chikosi said yesteryear stars have no one but themselves to blame for their current predicament.
She noted that many who now publicly beg once lived lavishly but failed to invest wisely.
Chikosi herself pivoted from arts promotion to real estate, recognising the evolving landscape of the entertainment business.
She urged current and emerging creatives to diversify and invest beyond their primary artistic endeavours.
“Most of these celebrities at the top of their game have put all their eggs in one basket,” she observed, highlighting the need for adaptability and alternative income streams.
Theatre guru and filmmaker Peter Churu, with nearly three decades of industry experience, agrees.
“It is high time we need to be open with each other and avoid this shameful practice of our icons becoming beggars,” he urged.
He warned that the “begging syndrome” is destroying legacies built over years.
“As influencers, we should not become accustomed to expecting to be pampered all the time,” he added, acknowledging that financial struggles are widespread.
South Africa-based entrepreneur and retired arts promoter Chris Musabayana, known for his significant contributions to sungura music under Ghetto Fabulous Promotions, lamented the decline in sungura promoters.
He, however, praised figures like Chipaz (Partson Chimbodza) for blending sungura with other genres to maintain relevance.
Musabayana also said many sungura artistes had failed to reinvent themselves, leading fans to explore other genres.
He urged creatives to embrace change, warning: “It is either we reinvent ourselves or face obsolescence”.
Without significant change, Zimbabwe’s showbiz risks becoming predominantly a haven for beggars rather than a vibrant hub of creative talent.
