adminLiberty Dube
WHEN the world saw a callous rapist and an unrepentant criminal, the gods saw a shrewd guitarist, affable lyricist, astute dancer and artiste.
Even when life gave him lemons, during the darkest hour, he made some lemonade and can now see the light.
This is the story of 29-year-old Never Jagaji who was incarcerated in 2007 for rape.
Life became horrendous for Jagaji who could not imagine spending eight years as a guest at Mutare Farm Prison.
But as famous writer, William Clinton would put it, “If you live long enough, you will make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you will be a better person. It is you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”
Jagaji believed in the future.
In December this year, Jagaji will reintegrate into the society he waved goodbye to eight years ago, this time, not as a rapist, but a sungura and gospel artiste.
Once released, Jagaji is contemplating taking music as a full time career.
“I have more than 150 songs that I composed. I want to take music as a profession. I sing about social issues such as love, betrayal, unity, faith and confidence. I learnt a lot behind bars and I am proud to say that I am determined to make a difference in the society. I preach through music. I want to be my own man and inspire people through my music,” said Jagaji in an interview recently.
He said he was inspired by sungura virtuoso and arguably bass guitarist, Alick Macheso.
He is currently a member of the ZPCS arts ensemble, Echoes Arts Group which comprises inmates and ZPCS officers.
He plays bass, lead and rhythm guitars at Echoes. He is also a backing vocalist and can compose songs. He is also a traditional dancer whose waist wriggling antics can make most female dancers green with envy.
One of his fellow band members and prison officer, who could not reveal his identity citing protocol, said Jangaji poised to be Mutare’s biggest thing in the arts industry if his majestic talent was nurtured.
“He can do everything. His talent is exceptional. He has a very bright future. We hope to hold live shows and showcase our talents,” he said.
Jangaji has designed and made makeshift guitars and drums and occasionally rehearses when he gets time.
Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services Manicaland public relations officer, Liberty Mhlanga said: “As an organisation, we are main-streaming the arts as a vehicle for rehabilitating offenders.
“We are happy when inmates take up the arts and succeed because it is a testimony that life is not about business but art can also provide livelihood. We urge the community to support such initiatives as they play a critical role in curbing re-offending. We wish Jangaji the best.”
Online Reporter