Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Christian Kamuti, a talented visual artist from Chinhoyi, has pledged to empower underprivileged and yet gifted young creatives by organising outreach programmes.
At 23, Kamuti, who holds a Fine Arts degree from Ankara University in Türkiye, believes he has the potential to positively impact young artists.
He has begun auctioning some of his best artworks, with the proceeds directed towards his initiative, “ZimGot Talent 4Economic Development” movement.
Kamuti, who is known by the moniker Christblack4Real, is co-funding this project alongside emerging businessman Denzel Kawanaruwa.
To date, he has auctioned portraits to top influencers, including businessman Scott Sakupwanya, Khanyi Mbau who paid R50 000, Pearl Thusi, Floyd Mayweather, Cassper Nyovest, Minister Tino Machakaire, DJ Tira and Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe.
He is also in the process of handling one of the portraits for President Mnangagwa.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Kamuti stressed his determination to empower other young creatives to realise their potential.
“I was fortunate enough to receive help from others, including education through the Presidential scholarship that allowed me to study Fine Arts in Türkiye. Now that I am back home and doing what I enjoy most, which is painting, I would like to see more talented creatives joining this new wave.
“Growing up in Chinhoyi before conquering the world, it has always been my wish to be at the top of my game doing what I love,” he stated.
“I have given myself a new task to empower artists through workshops and competitions, where winners are rewarded handsomely, with the help of my manager, Denzel Kawanaruwa, who is a businessman. We are not limiting this gesture to visual artists; we will extend it to other genres like music, poetry and dance because we are one. I have longed for this all along, and I am glad that the idea is fast becoming a reality.
“I hope all talented individuals in the arts can get equal opportunities.”
The former child parliamentarian from Mashonaland West firmly believes that art has the potential to contribute to the economic development of Zimbabwe.
“Through my initiative, we want to see more young people contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s prosperity and telling the story of our nation as it is through the arts.
“Under our initiative, named ‘ZimGot Talent for Economic Development,’ we are simply encouraging young people to work hard. We should not let our backgrounds hinder our future because we have the potential to bring about the positive results we all yearn for as Zimbabweans. I am glad that my business partner and manager supports my idea, and soon we will announce the dates and venues for workshops once part of the paperwork has been completed,” asserted Kamuti.
The painter urged young creatives to believe in their talent if they want to succeed in life.
“I come from Chinhoyi, a small town in Mashonaland West, but right now I am touring the world, doing my job.
“Our poor backgrounds should not hinder our dreams; rather, they should give us the strength to do more in our work. In my case, I simply enjoy art because it has given me wings to fly.”
Kamuti’s passion for fine arts started at a tender age, and he realised his full potential as a learner at Sinoia Primary School in Chinhoyi.
He proceeded to Chinhoyi High School, where he took art seriously.
Before enrolling at university, he had already created portraits of political figures, which earned him further recognition. After studying Fine Arts in Türkiye, he believes he is now equipped to make his benefactors and parents proud.
Kamuti is not only focusing on his personal development but also aims to pass on his knowledge to other creatives.
“I cannot be a role model if I don’t extend the knowledge that I have to others. Currently, I run a workshop in Sunningdale (Harare), but Chinhoyi remains my home. My dream is to secure two bases in Harare and Chinhoyi to ensure that I cater to more people who need my expertise, especially youngsters interested in art.”
Fine art is one of the fastest-growing genres in Zimbabwe, with top artists shining both locally and abroad. Current trending artists include Sampson Kuhwenguva, Tonderai Mujuru and Barry Lungau. Some who have made it internationally include Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza and Kombo Chapfika, who have participated in international events, including the International Exhibition of Biennale di Venezia in Italy.
Kamuti believes he is on track to mark these milestones and firmly believes his talent will take him far.
After all, he is talented, and his creative urge transcends his generation.
Peter Tanyanyiwa