Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DUB poet, writer and musician Chirikure Chirikure has been appointed acting Chief Nemashakwe in Gutu, Masvingo.
After a distinguished career as a performer and storyteller, the 64-year-old will soon trade showbiz auditoriums for the royal dare (chief’s compound), where he will address pressing matters affecting his community.
He will serve as acting chief for a two-year term, succeeding his father, Clanous Devera Chirikure, who passed away last year at the age of 108.
His father, a former education instructor in Masvingo province, was widely respected for his leadership and service as Chief Nemashakwe.
As the eldest of seven children, Chirikure is awaiting his formal installation, which is scheduled for August.
“I have completed the paperwork with the district administrator in Gutu for the new role that awaits me as acting chief,” Chirikure told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“My father was Chief Nemashakwe and, traditionally, there are customs that must be followed before a successor is appointed. I travelled there to sign papers and submit copies of my identification documents.
“At the family level, consultations are conducted before one can assume the role. In this case, I will be stepping in as acting chief for two years, according to our customs. Afterwards, the elders will decide the way forward.”
Chirikure, who will be alternating between his duties in Harare and Gutu, expressed his readiness to serve the community with distinction.
“I cannot refuse to serve my people; it was always my father’s wish to do good for the community,” he said.
“He served the people well, even establishing the Nemashakwe Information Centre, drawing from his educational background. Now that I am preparing to be installed as chief of an area covering 25 villages, this responsibility means a lot to me. I am doing what I have been called to do.”
Balancing tradition and modernity
Chirikure, who holds deep respect for traditional leadership structures, noted that he will work closely with a council of elders.
“A traditional chief works with a special council that makes important decisions collectively,” he explained.
“In this era of technology, I can remain in touch with the council even while attending to responsibilities in Harare. However, that does not mean I will lose touch with my people; they expect me to be directly involved in the decision-making process.”
Chirikure revealed that the installation process was temporarily delayed due to the health of his mother, Svodesai Chirikure (née Sithole).
“My mother has been unwell for some time and I believe the death of our father last year affected her deeply,” he said.
He described his mother as a pillar of support, who stood by his late husband throughout his career as a teacher, a chief and a family man.
“It is unfortunate that she suffered a stroke at the age of 87 and has been struggling with her speech, but we are hopeful that she will recover and be able to witness my installation as acting Chief Nemashakwe,” said Chirikure.
Vision
As the eldest of the late chief’s seven children — four boys and three girls — Chirikure has pledged to continue the developmental projects his father initiated.
“There is a need for us to focus on the projects he started for the community,” he said.
“One of those is the information centre, where we are partnering with booksellers to ensure the community benefits. We are also looking at infrastructural development and hope to establish partnerships with various academies.”
He added that he would outline his full vision once he is officially installed in August, with the exact date to be announced in due course.
Reflecting on his new role, he acknowledged the challenge of following in the footsteps of his father, whom he described as a remarkable leader who served with great pride.
Chiedza Tafirei, the district administrator for Gutu, confirmed the appointment of Chirikure.
“He was appointed acting chief, meaning he will be standing in for his late father,” Tafirei said.
“He will represent his father’s house for two years, after which the family will decide on the way forward. Notably, this is the first time we have installed an acting chief in Gutu.”
All eyes are now on Chirikure as he steps into his new role, following in the footsteps of a father whose life was defined by extraordinary resilience.
The late Chief Nemashakwe rose from a humble start as a relief teacher to become a qualified educator, school head and, eventually, a district education officer.
Born in 1917 in Mushayavanhu, Gutu, the late chief grew up in a family of six.
His journey was marked by significant hardship: After losing his father in 1935, the family’s livestock was seized by relatives, forcing him to drop out of school to work as a herdboy.
Through sheer determination, he eventually returned to his studies at institutions like Silveira Mission, Pamushana Mission and Alheit Mission, often working to cover his own school fees.
His persistence paid off; he completed Standard Six in 1944, eventually attending the prestigious Goromonzi High School — the country’s first government-run boarding secondary school for Black learners — in 1946.
After completing teacher training at Waddilove Mission in 1953, he built a distinguished career in education before retiring in 1992.
Beyond his professional achievements, he was a dedicated patriarch, caring for 23 children — including his seven biological children — and leaving behind a legacy that includes 21 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Now, it is Chirikure Chirikure’s turn to carry that mantle.
He is a celebrated writer, performer and philanthropist. He is a graduate of the University of Zimbabwe, where he studied Shona and History.
As a renowned dub poet, he has garnered both local and international acclaim, consistently using his platform to mentor and empower young people across Zimbabwe.
As he prepares for his installation this August, Chirikure is poised to make history, becoming a unique bridge between the worlds of creative arts and the traditional leadership.
By balancing his literary career with his responsibilities as acting chief of 25 villages, he is set to honour his father’s enduring impact while forging a new path of service for his community.
