ZIMURA on medical aid assistance

Tawanda Marwizi  Arts Correspondent
Musicians in the country are set for some relief when they fall ill following the launch of a music specific medical aid scheme over the weekend.
Zimbabwe Music Rights Association(Zimura) launched a medical aid scheme that will see musicians getting money for medication. The unveiling happened at the Book Cafe on Friday with Sulumani Chimbetu performing at the first fundraising concert.

Zimura documentation and distribution manager Climate Munyikwa said the scheme was meant to cover a glaring gap that has gone uncovered for too long.

“We have realised that in most cases artistes end up suffering so there was need to launch such a scheme so that our artistes benefit,” he said. Munikwa said they would use the resources they have to raise the funds for the scheme.

“Some of the things include the PA system we hire at functions, and also gigs that will assist us to raise the money,” he said. He was confident that a number of artistes will benefit from the scheme.

Incumbent chairman of Zimura,  music composer and dub poet Albert Nyati said the development is a positive move in changing the welfare of musicians.

“Musicians have a lot of work to do and it is also good that such schemes are coming up. We are hopeful that it will benefit artistes,” said Nyati.

Many Zimbabwean musicians have failed to raise funds for medication and in most cases friends, relatives and promoters organise fundraising concerts to rescue them. John Chibadura and Freddy Chimombe son to the music legend James Chimombe come to mind. Cephas Mashakada faced a hard time when he had to have his leg amputated due to diabetes.

Others who are still alive such as Tadious Matsito and guitarist Lucky Mumiriki among others are also in dire straits. Car accidents and degenerative diseases are among the causes of illness.

Currently musician Daiton Somanje is in Parirenyatwa Hospital and is reported to be sorely in need of pecuniary assistance. It is yet to be seen if he will be the first musician to benefit from the medical aid scheme.