Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TRADITIONAL music artist, Luckson Chezhira Chikutu, is a proud cultural ambassador of his country.
Using the stage name ManLuckerz Makandire, he has been consistent for close to two decades where he is raising the Zimbabwean flag high in Sweden with his band Zim-Traditional Unity.
The band’s other members are Martin Larsson (Sweden), Celso Paco (Mozambique), Joseph Semafumu (Uganda), Mia Törngren (Sweden), Lennart Söderlund (Sweden), Ben Joe (Gambia-Senegal), Björn Carlsson (Sweden) and Alex Henriksson (Sweden).
ManLuckerz Makandire started exchange programmes between Sweden and Zimbabwe in 2012, which he proudly states as one of his career achievements.
He said his goal is to spread Zimbabwean culture to other nations.
Last week his band performed at Bagarmossens Folkets.
They have also lined up performances throughout September at the Cultural Festival for Peace at Fisksätra Church and Mosque of Fisksätra.
“I got an award in 2018 for advancing African culture in Europe. I received a nomination for the 2019 Nama Diaspora Awards.
“The fact that people notice the small things you do is one of the things that still brings me joy today. It takes bravery to go on in life. I like to preserve my culture/identity, therefore, that’s one of the reasons l do this art. I was able to write a book in both Swedish and English in part because of this.
“The title of my book is FlashBack Identity. I want my identity and culture to be shared globally,” said Manluckerz Makandire.
Throughout his journey, he said he has gained knowledge about how to share with people.
“Being truthful and treating people with respect are the most crucial aspects in business. I discovered that we are all the same.
“I learnt that you can achieve great things. Time is business, therefore, be on time for everything you plan to do with other people.
“Honour the culture of others,” he said.
Giving a rundown of his journey in the cut-throat sector, the 2017 National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) Outstanding Diaspora Artiste nominee revealed how he is a patriotic hero in Zimbabwean arts and international stages.
“My journey started when it was a period when people were really looking for their life’s purpose. I am someone who was looking for a way to live.
“One year in particular, I can still clearly recall not having any money for transport. When I had to go to a crucial meeting, I managed to walk from St. Mary’s in Chitungwiza to Harare. “I never would have imagined that day in my early artistic career. But I am where I am now due to my bravery.
“Talking without doing is pointless, God helps those who help themselves in life. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for a few things.
“I want to express my gratitude to my brother, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who is among many who have encouraged me to be brave in the arts.
“God bless you, brother Aaron. I’m still following the advice you gave me. May you be blessed,” he said.
