Zima on clean-up campaign

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
Organisers of the Zimbabwe Music Awards in conjunction with Environmental Management Agent yesterday held a clean-up campaign in at Copacabana and Market Square bus termini in the city centre. The campaign which was also supported by Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Miriam Chikukwa saw musicians that include BaShupi, Selmor Mtukudzi and husband Tendai Manatsa, Edith WeUtonga Katiji, Hick Gwarimbo and members of the United Family International Church Choir among others joining hands in cleaning the City of Harare.

Addressing musicians in a speech read on her behalf Minister Chikukwa applauded organisers of Zima and artistes for taking part in the clean-up campaign saying musicians have power to change the people’s behaviour.

“The Zimbabwe Music Awards are a platform that was created to honour outstanding performers in the music industry. It is encouraging to see so many of our top artistes taking ownership of our city and encouraging their fans to keep it clean,
“They say music is a powerful tool that is used to encourage love, peace and joy.

“The same could be said of the musicians that create music.
“They have the power to influence behavioural change amongst their followers,” she said. Musicians who spoke to this publication expressed concern over the current state of the once Sunshine city saying people must join hands and help the City of Harare reclaim its status.

“ Harare has become too dirty and we need to restore the sunshine status. I also want to call upon the city fathers to put many bins around the city so that people will not throw litter everywhere because if what is happening continues, it will be a health hazard,” Edith WeUtonga said.

“I just love my environment and I think as a citizen it is my responsibility to make sure that the city is clean.
“Though it is my first time to get involved in environmental issues I am eager to take part in an environmental activity,” Selmor Mtukudzi said.
Meanwhile, Zima which is set to be a glamorous event will be held on October 29 at Harare International Conference Centre and Jah Prayzah, Soul Jah love and Sabastian Magacha are set to perform.