adminLovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
Scores of people from all walks of life thronged the Book Cafe last Friday in remembrance of the fallen luminary founder of Harare’s arts hub, Paul Rogers Brickhill. The commemoration service for Brickhill drew politicians, musicians, friends and relatives. Dudu Manhenga who was chosen to speak on behalf of all artistes described Paul as a great teacher. “What do you say about someone who wants to see the best in you, and pushes you to do the best that you can be? Someone who not only pushes you to do the best you can be, but also makes it easy for you, you say thank you. And today as artistes we say thank you to the Brickhill family for sharing Paul with us,” said Dudu to a loud applause.
Dudu gave a detailed account of how Paul shaped her musical career as well as her experiences with him.
“I remember on one on one conversation with Paul and I hope many musicians had those. Paul pushed me more by saying Dudu you can do much more than just a sing on stage. He personally encouraged me to go on television after we got started working on a project that was recorded as a sample,” she said.
Dudu concluded speech with a performance of Tina Turner’s classic hit “Simply The Best”.
Zanu PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo spoke as a family friend.
“I got a call on August 18, from Jeremy Brickhill that Paul’s condition was worsening. Unfortunately I was not in a position to speak to him. I promised that I would write something to him whilst in that situation. This is what I said to him: I wish I could share this with you dear Paul, I know that you are not well but revolutionaries never fade.
“Your remarkable role was of freedom and independence, the pain you are going through, is every revolutionaries’ pain we share it, we shall overcome it together. I will end by saying good people they never die, they depart for higher responsibilities,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
President of ZAPU and a very long time friend of the Brickhill family, Dumiso Dabengwa, described Paul as a great soldier.
“Deep inside me, I have this feeling of sadness because I lost one of my very important lieutenants. A service man in the Zapu intelligence service, which carried out such daring tasks,” said Dabengwa.
Cde Dabengwa said it was no doubt that the event was a sad occasion to bid farewell to an extraordinary Zimbabwean far too soon.
“You look at his age, there was a field case younger than him, but it is more importantly to celebration of an exemplary life of service, sacrificed and achievement.
“It is also a celebration of the Zimbabwe that we all dreamed of, worked so hard for throughout his lifetime. The very fact of his participation in the liberation struggle is a demonstration of the non racial free and democratic Zimbabwe that we fought for. Paul joined Zapu because it provided him with a vision,” said Cde Dabengwa.
Online Reporter