Statues, artists and airwaves

Nkululeko Nkala

This week has been interesting as far as the arts are concerned.

We started the week with Dominic Benhuraaï¿½ï¿½s statue of his Excellency trending across all media. While at it, Skyz Metro who many were beginning to forget, hit our airwaves on a trial run.

The big hit for the week is by far the statue issue, because it even attracted international press. BBC, Washington Post, Times Live and Telegraph UK carried the story.

It must have had more retweets and comments than the Evan Mawarire court appearance, with most of them saying the Benhura piece is ugly and disrespectful to the President.

I am one of those that believe and feel itaï¿½ï¿½s a great piece of art. I have followed Benhura since I knew what art was. I remember hating him (being jealous really) for winning multiple awards, year-in-year out. I felt he had to give my Bulawayo people a chance (Thank God for Israel Israel). The man has over 20 local and international accolades to his name. He has permanent displays in Zimbabwe, South Africa, The Netherlands and USA.

If there is one thing that Dominic is, itaï¿½ï¿½s being consistent and true to his art. Look for any of his work, you will see a resemblance with what he did for the President.

I saw many of those who took a dig at his work trying to compare it to the late Father Zimbabweaï¿½ï¿½s $230 000 statue done by a North Korean firm. We have over the years enjoyed being associated with Dominic every time he flew the countryaï¿½ï¿½s flag high, with just about the same art work pieces. Now we are all quick to attack his works. I think we should all take a leaf from the president who understands the piece is beautiful. He is happy. He is supporting local art, something most of us know nothing about. Can you even imagine what the $230 000 given to the North Korean firm could have done for local visual artists here in Bulawayo?

Iaï¿½ï¿½m not saying our icons shouldnaï¿½ï¿½t have beautiful/presentable statues, they should, but thereaï¿½ï¿½s nothing wrong with different artists telling their stories in their own ways. We canaï¿½ï¿½t all do the same thing. Dear Dominic Benhura, you are an arts hero, you were probably paid handsomely for it too. Walk head high, knowing fully well, your hands did what they always do. Stay true to your signature.

Back to Skyz Metro, it was good to hear the sounds of the station reverberate. It was not just the sound of a radio station, but the sound of hope for local artists.

Congratulatory messages started pouring from all over. Itaï¿½ï¿½s been a long wait I admit, but things are taking shape.

We need to stay focused, in our lane and Skyz will make heroes out of many local artistes, Skyz will create celebrities out of their radio team. Skyz should bring business into the city.

Finally we have a voice. I canaï¿½ï¿½t wait for the day Skyz goes live, never to rest. Exciting times ahead. Until next week, be safe.