Street children speak through music

Liberty Dube Weekender Correspondent
IN most cases many street children run to the streets in order to escape from various forms of abuse, while some are compelled by desperate economic situations to live pathetic and chaotic lives in the streets.And in some cases the street children have been subjected to all forms of societal ills like prostitution, drug abuse and sexual harassment.

However, they are other talented and intelligent children who opted to live in the streets after they were either chased away by their parents or were orphaned, but are making an honest living through ways such as music.

This is the case of four boys who live in the streets of Mutare who recently released two single tracks that summarises their day-to-day experiences, narrating what prompted them to get into the streets and live the life they are living.

The project was made possible by Simukai Child Protection, an organisation that works to address the plight of abused, neglected and abandoned children.

The Zimdancehall songs, Tiri Mustreet and Find Me Home were recorded and produced by DJ Touch Mwotoo.

The boys will unleash the songs on the day of the street child commemorations on June 19, where dancehall heavyweight, Obey Makamure popularly known as Tocky Vibes will serenade music lovers in Sakubva.

Part of the lyrics for the song Tiri Mustreet go: “Matsaona arimo mustreet/Taita mari tobirwa mustreet/Hamuna chekubata mustreet, titungamirireiwo Mwari . . . ”

The song Find Me Home is a soothing gem that asks people not to condemn the street children since some of them are making an honest living without inconveniencing anyone.

“Amai vangu pavakashaya/ ndakasara ndichitogaya/Kana kuchikoro ndaisambobaya/Vanotisema, tinogara mustreet/Pese paita mhosva vanoti vana vemunzira . . . ”

In an interview, one of the volunteers from the United Kingdom and attached to the organisation, Arran Doe, said she would market the songs in her country and help raise awareness.

Doe is one of five United Kingdom volunteers who are currently offering their services at the non-governmental organisation.

“We need to give them confidence and tell their whole story to the world. The boys are talented and their talents need to be nurtured. We need to market their music and give them a chance to shine,” she said.

A local volunteer, Ivan Tsangamidzi, who helped in the choreography and scouted the children’s talents, said the children had a brighter future in music.

“They need support. I have the passion for music and I have been coaching them. If their talents are nurtured, they have a brighter future ahead. If well marketed, they will earn a living through music.

“Most of the street kids do not feel comfortable sharing their stories to anyone, but we managed to convince them to chronicle their ordeals and converted them to songs,” said Tsangamidzi.