LETTTERS TO THE EDITOR: Musicians should be respected

Musicians should be respected in our society because they are like our ambassadors in the whole world. I’m really disappointed by the way in which we treat our artistes, especially musicians and actors.

Most of these artistes have been given paupers burials as a result of poverty.

We used to have what was known as the Zimbabwe Musicians’ Day but we don’t know what happened to that day. It was a special day set aside to honour our musicians.

I hope the ministry which is responsible for sport, arts and culture will look into that and work hard to ensure that our artistes are recognised locally.

It is not surprising to note that the same artistes and musicians that we are not honouring are well respected in other countries.

We all know how the likes of Sotsha Moyo and the group Black Umfolosi have raised our flag in countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, France and Britain with their cultural songs and drama.

It is Zimbabwe which is being put on the map but when the same musicians perform here people don’t take them seriously.

We all know how the late John Chibadura of the Tembo Brothers was well received and respected in countries like Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia including South Africa where their album Basa Mangwanani sold more than 750 000 copies.

We heard how in Mozambique whenever John Chibadura was to perform, he would be transported to the venue in a presidential helicopter.

Let’s respect our musicians for the good work they are doing. I would expect to see some of these artistes declared national heroes when they die.

Hero status should not only be accorded to musicians who went to war like Simon Chimbetu and Solomon Skhuza but everyone who would have raised our flag high like the late Ketai Muchawaya, Leonard Dembo and the likes of Iyasa, Sandra Ndebele, Albert Nyathi, Busi Ncube, Lovemore Majayivana and many others whose works are clear for everyone to see.

Still in the arts, recently we witnessed Lawrence Simbarashe who was popularly known as, Bhonzo, in the film industry, dying a destitute man. As Zimbabweans l feel we must support one another in times of trouble.

These people spend most of their lives entertaining us so we need to make sure we remember them in times of need.

I hope we are going to see a change in future.

Eddious Masundire Shumba, Bulawayo