Online ReporterLaura Maposa
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Workers Day, a cherished celebration in the global calendar, serves as a time to honour and appreciate the tireless contributions of workers worldwide.
The origins of this day can be traced back to the labour union movements in the late 19th century, where workers advocated for fair wages, reasonable hours, and improved working conditions.
Today, Workers Day is not only a day of remembrance but also an opportunity to promote workers’ rights and welfare.
Creatives in the entertainment industry have shared with Zimpapers how most of them will spend the day.
Awa Khiwe (rapper)
Awa is working on a project in the rural areas and will be shooting deep in the woods. She added that African art plays a vital role in honouring workers on Workers Day and beyond.
“By acknowledging and celebrating their contributions, African art empowers workers, advocates for their rights, and promotes their welfare.”
“The diverse art forms discussed in this journal-sculpture, painting, textiles, and performing arts-demonstrate the power of art to create social change, inspire dialogue, and foster unity and resilience,” she said.
She plans on celebrating the rich cultural heritage of her region, highlighting the contributions of traditional skills and crafts, and inspiring a sense of pride in local craftsmanship.
Former radio journalist and podcaster − DJ Ollah 7
He said they will be celebrating the rich diversity of African arts and its impact on workers and the world, and contribute to a more equitable, just, and vibrant future for all.
He said that today gives artistes an opportunity to use their skills to create artwork that honours the cultural heritage of the continent and acknowledges the contributions of workers through art forms like painting, sculpture, and textiles.
Gospel power couple
(The Charambas)
The musical couple Baba and Mai Charamba said they are going to be at church worshiping and thanking God for keeping us safe and healthy.
“Turns out, workers day is more than a historical remembrance. Its issues are vital and urgent today.
“This day serves as a reminder of the tireless efforts, dedication, and resilience demonstrated by the workers of our country,” he said.
“As the nation commemorates this day, we acknowledge and applaud the vital role that labour plays in the realisation of our national development goals.”
Pastor Charamba said workers are indeed the cornerstone of our aspirations towards the attainment of Vision 2030, guiding us towards a future of prosperity, equity, and sustainable development as we strive to attain a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society.
Commercial model and video vixen − Tariro Gezi
Gezi said Workers’ Day is a celebration of working people and a day when people campaign for decent work and fair pay.
“Thanks to the action taken by workers over many years, millions of people have won fundamental rights and protections.
“Minimum wages have been established, there are limits on working hours, and people have the right to paid holidays and sick pay.”
Guitarist Silent Nqo
He said today is a day for working people to have a rest from their usual labour.
It is an opportunity to campaign for workers’ rights, show solidarity with other working people and celebrate the achievements of workers all over the world.
Renowned Zimbabwean sculptor − Dominic Benhura
Today is work as usual, as he has a lot of work to cover. Sculpting is part of his daily life routine since childhood.
Benhura said he will be working.
“African art plays a vital role in honouring workers on Labour Day and beyond.
“By acknowledging and celebrating their contributions, African art empowers workers, advocates for their rights, and promotes their welfare.”
He further argues that artists, of course, are workers in good standing. Over the years, countless painters, sculptors, photographers, and printmakers have created art depicting the centrality of work to human civilisation.
Sometimes, the art is mainly documentary, sometimes it’s psychologically or emotionally incisive, and sometimes it’s advocacy art.
