Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A RENEWED sense of purpose filled Mutare Hall last Sunday as musicians, policymakers and cultural practitioners in Manicaland gathered for the launch of a new initiative aimed at strengthening the creative sector in Manicaland.
What began as a meeting of artistes quickly took on broader significance, signalling a shift from viewing music solely as entertainment to recognising it as a vehicle for purpose, influence and economic productivity.
The launch of the Musicians for Economic Development Manicaland Chapter (M4ED) marked a defining moment for the province’s creative community. Designed to amplify the role of the arts in Zimbabwe’s national development agenda, the programme brought together established performers, emerging talent, arts administrators and key stakeholders under one roof.
Their shared mission was clear: to position music and the wider creative industry as a viable economic driver aligned with Vision 2030.
From the opening moments, the atmosphere reflected both celebration and resolve.
Songs, dance and ululations filled the hall, but beneath the festivity lay serious conversations about sustainability, innovation and economic relevance.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza commended the artistes who attended the event for taking the initiative to organise and own such a platform.
He challenged them to reimagine their craft beyond entertainment, and to embrace it as a business with the capacity to generate income, employment and social impact.
“Congratulations for coming up with a successful event. There are a lot of talented artistes in here. Now that you have started this initiative, think outside the box.
“This is not about having opportunities to perform at some State galas. Economic development means much more. You need to create ideas from your arts. For instance, we have Christmas Pass Mountain. It is a very convenient and scenic site that you, if you think outside the box, should benefit many. We should make money through leisure. You are very useful in people’s lives and mental health. Do it as business, not just as entertainment,” he said.
“My message today is especially for young and emerging artistes who often struggle to access platforms, funding and sustainable markets for their work. You need to be innovative and think creatively to overcome these challenges.
“The creative sector is, not just about entertainment because it plays a vital role in tourism, wellness and community development. When properly supported, the arts can create jobs, promote mental well-being and stimulate local economies. Your talent has the power to make a real difference in people’s lives and in our nation’s growth,” he said.
Musicians for Economic Development Manicaland chairperson, Brian Samaita, who is also a sungura artiste, described the launch as a reflection of changing attitudes towards the arts.
He said the presence of senior Government officials demonstrated increasing State engagement with creative industries, especially at provincial level where artistes often operate with limited resources.
In an impassioned address, Samaita spoke about the responsibility and influence musicians hold in society.
He framed the initiative as both a patriotic and economic project, rooted in the belief that creative voices can mobilise, educate and unite communities while also building livelihoods.
“Musicians for Economic Development Manicaland Chapter stands firmly in support of the development of the arts industry because we genuinely believe in the leadership of His Excellency, President Mnangagwa.
“We have been inspired to use our God-given talents to mobilise support and to unite the people of Zimbabwe as we build our nation brick by brick.
“As musicians, we will use the microphone, meaning our voices, our platforms and our airwaves. Zimbabwe has millions of people who listen to radio every day. Together, we will use music, not only to provide entertainment, but to create employment, contribute to the gross domestic product and promote Vision 2030,” he said.
The message resonated strongly with the crowd, many of whom see music as both a calling and a livelihood.
Throughout the event, performers showcased their talent, dancing and singing in a display of cultural pride and artistic diversity.
The celebration underscored the idea that creativity, when organised and supported, can be both joyful and economically meaningful.
Among the dignitaries present was the national chairperson of Musicians for Economic Development, Tholakele Moyo-Ndlovu, whose attendance reinforced the national significance of the Manicaland launch.
One of the musicians who attended the event, Clayton Masekesa, said the formation of the provincial chapter was a dawn of a new era for artistes in Manicaland.
“I want to thank musicians in Manicaland for embracing this noble cause. As musicians, this initiative (Musicians for Economic Development) drive economic development by fuelling job creation, boosting tourism, and strengthening a country’s brand.
“As musicians, we are social influencers and we play a big role in shaping public opinion through our music. We are therefore encouraged to join this campaign on economic development. We need to be empowered through organised frameworks such as these as they open up economic opportunities. As a musician I will support Government initiatives to formalise and modernise the creative industry, ensuring that musicians can thrive economically while contributing to national development,” he said.
