Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
TODAY, we depart from the norm.
As the 46th Heroes and Defence Forces holidays draw closer, we turn our attention to the creative community and the trailblazers whose lifestyles and achievements have helped shape Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.
These are the men and women who have redefined success through their work and personal conduct.
Admittedly, some of these personalities are complex and have had their fair share of controversies.
Yet, despite their imperfections, they remain influential figures whose contributions to the arts continue to inspire both established and emerging creatives.
Our focus is on those who have shown that simplicity knows no riches.
Instead, they have proved that humility and authenticity can coexist with fame and fortune.
Their modest lifestyles have become a hallmark of their success, earning them admiration while helping shape Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape.
Their lifestyles have shown that, at the end of the day, they are just as human as everyone else.
Most of them easily reconnect with their childhood friends because they never forgot where they came from. They still get along well with the people who stood by them long before fame and fortune found them.
Sungura ace Alick Macheso is a typical example of how money and fame have never changed his lifestyle, conduct or philosophy.
Alick Macheso
Earlier this year, the Orchestra Mberikazvo frontman surprised many when he chose to celebrate his 58th birthday at his rural home in Shamva.
“I always go to my rural home where I mix with my peers,” Macheso said in a recent interview.
“I can perform all the rural chores because that is the lifestyle we were exposed to while growing up.
“I am what I am because of my roots and I can’t afford to change that now.
“Of course I am well-known out there, but I can’t forsake my people.
“I simply love the way we were raised here, and being closer to my mother, uncles and old friends makes me happy.”
He added:
“It is either I am in Shamva or at the farm most of the time, but I cherish spending time with my old friends because it has made me realise how far simplicity can take a person.
“Fame will never change my old habits, especially when it comes to respecting and honouring my roots.”
His publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, also described the sungura icon as a humble man who remains deeply attached to his roots.
“He makes sure that he visits his rural home regularly.
“He might appear to be a busy man, but he always finds time for his rural folk.
“That is what makes him unique.”
The same could be said of the late mbira legend Mbuya Stella Chiweshe who, despite earning worldwide acclaim, continued to lead a modest lifestyle.
“My mother was always a simple woman and she was proud of her culture and way of life,” her daughter, Virginia Mkwesha, recently told The Herald Saturday Lifestyle.
“My mother was popular worldwide, but you would be surprised to know that she still lived a simple life.
“She loved African cuisine and respected her ancestors, as was evident from the way she was buried.
“She chose to be buried in the traditional way, and that alone showed how deeply she valued her beliefs.
“She even built a thatched holiday home in Goromonzi and an arts centre in Masembura near Bindura, an indication of her commitment to preserving her culture and roots.”
The Germany-based daughter, who is expected to visit Zimbabwe next month, added:
“Real legends who have made it in life are very humble.
“Sometimes you even wonder how they have remained so grounded.
“When some people become famous, they change their way of life, but true legends never forget where they come from.”
The late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, who died from diabetes-related complications in 2019 at the age of 66, was another perfect example of an icon who remained humble despite his global success.
Although he travelled extensively as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cultural ambassadors, Tuku never abandoned his roots. It was therefore fitting that he was buried at his rural home in Madziwa after being declared a national hero.
“Baba was a simple man and he always travelled to his rural home whenever he had time,” recalled his widow, Daisy Mtukudzi.
“He made sure he spent time in Madziwa enjoying the fresh air.
“He had the means to holiday anywhere in the world, but his heart always remained with his roots and where he came from.
“I still treasure those memories with him, and I only wished he had lived longer to enjoy the investments he made back home.”
The same can be said of renowned literary figure Chirikure Chirikure, whose installation as Acting Chief Nemashakwe is scheduled for next month.
Chirikure Chirikure
“I have always loved my roots and the way we were raised in Masvingo, where we did all the chores, including herding cattle,” Chirikure said with a chuckle.
“My identity matters and I fully embrace it.
“Now that I am going to be installed as Acting Chief, I will remain loyal to the elders by seeking guidance from them.
“That is what we learnt from our forefathers. I will always respect them and continue learning from my council of elders.
“By the way, I am not new to my area. I am always there, sharing meals and spending time with my kith and kin.
“Fame will never change me because I still live by the values I grew up with. My lifestyle is shaped by the experiences I had while growing up.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by playwright Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who has remained as humble as ever.
Aaron Chiundura Moyo
“Life has taught me to be humble and everything I do is influenced by my background and where I come from.
“I simply love my culture and the way I was raised.
“I will continue doing my best because that is a reflection of the values I was brought up with.”
The same can also be said of the Dembo family who, despite the fame brought by the late music legend Leonard Tazvivinga Dembo, have remained firmly grounded in their culture and traditions.
Further observation has shown that there is nothing unusual about true legends remaining humble despite their fame and success.
However, it should also be acknowledged that a few people who attain instant fame often lose touch with reality, creating a false impression that wealth and celebrity should change one’s character.
True legends and genuine icons lead modest lives despite having everything they could possibly need. Their humility, rather than their wealth, is what continues to inspire generations.
Some of the world’s richest people still choose to fly economy class despite owning private jets, proving that simplicity is a matter of character rather than financial status.
Zimbabwe’s creative industry is fortunate to have many celebrated personalities who have remained approachable despite their success.
Gospel musicians Charles and Olivia Charamba are among those who can comfortably mingle with ordinary people without seeking special treatment.
Charles and Olivia Charamba
Ultimately, the greatest measure of success is not fame or fortune, but the ability to remain true to one’s roots.
It is this humility, authenticity and unwavering respect for one’s upbringing that distinguish genuine legends from ordinary celebrities, ensuring that their influence endures long after the applause has faded.
