adminThis follows the passing away of two seasoned artistes from the city in as many months. First was the death of imbube artiste, music director and founder of imbube ensemble, Sunduza, Sam “Dokotela” Banda in December. His death was followed by the passing away of music teacher Sizanani Moyo, formerly of Insingizi and Grassroots Arts in the New Year. Moyo was laid to rest on 4 January.
In an interview, Marabini said the setting up of a fund would help ease some of the problems that the families of artistes that had passed away face after their breadwinners had departed.
“The untimely deaths of Sam and Sizanani were unfortunate but the two incidences serve as a wake up call to all artistes in Bulawayo because death can affect anyone at any time. Therefore as artistes we need to set up a fund that will help our families when we are no longer there to take care of them,” he said.
Marabini said artistes had previously neglected the idea of setting up such a fund or funeral policy as some thought they would remain unaffected by death.
“The deaths of Sizanani and Sam have opened the eyes of a lot of artistes who previously thought they would be immune to death. Generally, artistes have tended to think that funeral policies are meant for other people in society not them,” he said.
He said artistes needed to look for appropriate measures and choose a funeral policy company that would handle the interests of artistes.
“All that is left is for us to chart the way forward and choose a company that will have the best interests of artistes at heart because this is something that the arts community in Bulawayo desperately needs,” he said.
Marabini and other artistes yesterday took part in a meeting at Salukazi Arts Centre in Njube to discuss ways of addressing the plight of families of deceased artistes who are left with big medical bills and funeral expenses after their breadwinners had passed away.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter