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Godwin Muzari Arts Editor
When a representative of acclaimed Jamaican reggae group Morgan Heritage landed in Harare last Sunday, he was surprised.
Mr Mojo, the group’s percussionist-cum-vocalist who was in the country to ink a deal for their performance in the capital set for December 31, momentarily thought he was lost on arrival at Harare International Airport.
The musician said what he saw when he landed sharply contrasted to his perception about the country.
For many years Morgan Heritage mooted a tour of Zimbabwe because, since their godfather Bob Marley performed at the first Independence celebrations at Rufaro Stadium in Harare in 1980 and penned the song “Zimbabwe”, the country inevitably became a special destination for Jamaican musicians that are inspired by the late reggae legend.
So, like many other big Jamaican names that trailed Bob Marley’s footsteps to Zimbabwe, Mr Mojo was excited to finally make a trip to Harare to prepare the ground for Morgan Heritage’s debut tour of the country. It was a special trip.
However, deep inside Mr Mojo’s excitement were unfortunate feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Because of the negative portrayal of the country by Western and Western-sponsored media, Morgan Heritage had for many years been made to believe that, besides Bob Marley’s historic celebratory dance at the country’s birth, there was nothing worth performing for in Harare.
According to misleading reports that Morgan Heritage were exposed to over the past years, there was nothing more to celebrate in the poverty-stricken and hopeless Southern African destination.
When a fascinated and anxious Mr Mojo landed at the airport on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the cloud that shrouded his perception about the country immediately cleared.
Just like the clear sky above Harare that afternoon, everything became plain to Mr Mojo — the pathetic image of Zimbabwe that the media portrays to Morgan Heritage, and the rest of audiences across the world, is a result of deliberate distortion.
His three-day stay in the country enhanced the picture he now has about the country.
By Tuesday evening when this writer interviewed Mr Mojo, he was both happy and disappointed.
Happy that he had finally set foot in a country that has special relationship with reggae through Bob Marley and disappointed that he had believed lies and distortions about the country for many years.
Mr Mojo told his own story about his experience in Zimbabwe and said that is the true story Morgan Heritage will share.
“Zimbabwe has a special place in our hearts because our legend Bob Marley performed at the country’s independence. We do not talk about Africa without talking about Zimbabwe and that is why many Jamaican musicians have done songs about Zimbabwe,” Mr Mojo said.
“I am happy to be here but it gets me upset to realise that the picture painted out there about Zimbabwe and Africa is wrong.
“I have taken pictures of buildings and the streets in Harare and sent them to my friends and colleagues back home and most of them are surprised. They cannot believe Harare is such a beautiful city. Of course there might be challenges here and there but the way the media report is totally misleading.
“I have seen some brands of international companies here. They are coming to do business. Would they come if the country was as bad as the media want us to believe?
“Our hearts are with Africa and we want to know the true African story. I respect media channels that tell the true story about Zimbabwe and about Africa. I can boldly say that I am happy because most things I heard about Zimbabwe were not true.”
Mr Mojo said he was happy about the reception he got and applauded Zimbabweans for their hospitality.
“I do not want to talk about politics but I am happy with the way I was received here. I did not believe I was in Zimbabwe when I arrived at the airport. There is amazing love and hospitality here. The infrastructure is far much better than most countries that we have visited yet we are made to believe that Zimbabwe is a complete ruin.
“I will tell the true story about Zimbabwe. Morgan Heritage is coming and the whole group will tell the true story about Zimbabwe. If many people out there new the truth about Zimbabwe, they would flock to this paradise.”
Mr Mojo said it is good they will come to Zimbabwe at a time they are marketing their 10th album “Strictly Roots”, which is their first release to be marketed by their own label CTBC (Cool to be Conscious).
“I am happy that my visit has been fruitful. I have met Zimbabwean promoters and our dream to tour Zimbabwe comes true next month.
“We are ready to bring the best entertainment to the country. It will be a night for uplifting the body, the soul and the mind.”
Online Reporter