COMMENT: Let creatives smell their roses while still alive

The Bulawayo arts community is mourning the passing on of seasoned all-rounder artiste Ishmael “Litshe” Muvhingi who died early this week. As news filtered through and got digested by people from all walks of life, the question of whether the departed artiste was given his flowers while still alive, kept coming up.

While Muvhingi received many awards, including the Bulawayo Arts Awards, many believed he deserved more recognition for his work that saw him play a prominent role in theatre and dance. This is because celebrating local artistes while they are alive carries several significant benefits for the artistes themselves, the community and the culture as a whole.

Honouring artistes during their lifetime allows them to experience recognition and appreciation for their work. It validates their efforts and affirms their creative contributions to the community. Recognition can motivate artistes to continue producing work, innovating and sharing their unique perspectives. It supports their growth and passion.

Artistes often represent the spirit, traditions and stories of their community. Celebrating them keeps local culture vibrant and helps preserve heritage through creative expression. In addition, local artistes help shape the identity of a region, reflecting its values, struggles and beauty. Celebrating them nurtures a shared sense of belonging within the community.

Celebrating artistes while they are alive can translate into financial opportunities. By supporting local artistes, communities can help them earn a sustainable income through their work, such as through exhibitions, performances, or commissions. Supporting local art can foster local pride and tourism, which benefits the broader economy. Events like art festivals, exhibitions, or concerts often attract visitors and promote local businesses.

In addition, celebrating living artistes creates opportunities for a personal connection between the creators and their audiences. It opens dialogue, allowing people to engage with the artistes’ thoughts and processes. Recognising living artistes serves as an inspiration for younger generations to pursue their artistic passions. It helps emerging artistes see that their creative work can have an impact.

Often, artistes receive widespread acclaim only after their death, when it’s too late for them to enjoy it. However, celebrating artistes during their lifetime ensures that they receive the appreciation and acknowledgement they deserve. It allows people to honour not just the artiste’s work, but the person behind it, acknowledging their journey, struggles and humanity.

We therefore urge the creative sector to continue celebrating the good work done by their colleagues, those living and departed. It is the right thing to do.