adminFOR a long time, art was never taken seriously in Zimbabwe by many people.
Artists were regarded as people without focus and vision in life.
The only people who appreciated them were foreigners, and a few local individuals, who are still making collections of their valuable pieces.
Contemporary visual artists, who specialise in painting, sculpture and mixed media, are some of the artists doing very well at the moment.
One such artist, who defied odds, is Moffat Takadiwa, whose work has attracted the attention of world renowned power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce.
Jay-Z, who is estimated to have a net worth of US$2.5 billion, has fallen in love with Takadiwa’s work.
Takadiwa revealed that the power couple purchased some of his pieces.
This should come as good news to local artists who are determined to make a mark.
Takadiwa has also made an impact, through collaborations with other galleries, in the United States.
The sad reality is that people of Takadiwa’s calibre are really appreciated overseas yet they remain largely unknown on homesoil.
It’s really unfortunate when our artists end up appealing to foreigners yet we are not valuing them on home soil.
Like the proverbial prophet, who does not have honour in his homeland, Takadiwa has defied the odds and left an indelible mark globally.
This is enough proof that we need to honour our artists on home soil and also appreciate their work.
Parents, who used to underestimate the power of arts hould have a change of mindset, and empower their children, who are artists.
The likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce didn’t just start as megastars, who commanded appeal, throughout the world. They started from the bottom and they also needed the encouragement, and support, from those around them at the beginning.
Now, they have both made it right to the very top and, as a couple, they are worth an estimated US$3 billion, in terms of net worth.
That is what we should do to our artists and, as a newspaper, that is the reason why we have taken a deliberate decision to ensure that we highlight their success, as and when it comes along.
The fact that Jay-Z and Beyonce appreciate Takadiwa’s pieces should inspire others to work hard and be counted among the stars.
Takadiwa has made an impression as a dedicated and gifted artist, who is flying the Zimbabwean flag high, through his creativity.
It’s really unfortunate when people don’t appreciate their stars yet they are making international headlines.
In Takadiwa’s case, he also uses recycled material to come up with impressive collections, which are now on demand internationally.
Having started from humble beginnings, Takadiwa has demonstrated that focus and determination can take one places.
An epitome of hard work and resilience, Takadiwa’s success story should inspire fellow artists to think outside the box and work really hard.
The down-to-earth Takadiwa should be used as a role model to fellow artists who are hungry for success.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter