Artistes campaign against child marriages
SEVERAL artistes converged at Luke Mine in Shamva, a district that records high cases of teen pregnancies and child marriages, to join a campaign against child marriages and gender- based violence.
Bindura Arts Festival Foundation director Umtali Saidi, who grew up in the small mining community at Luke Mine, engaged the artistes, who included Selmor Mtukudzi and Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, to add their voices against child marriages.
The campaign was supported by West Property Management owned by businessman Kenny Sharp.
Selmor, who was accompanied by her husband Tendai Manatsa, condemned child marriages and urged parents to educate their children, nurture and support their talents.
“I want to tell you a story about my life. As I grew up I loved singing. My parents divorced when I was three and I started staying with my grandmother,” she said.
“My grandmother took me to church every Sunday and I sang in the church choir. This is when my parents realised my talent. When I was 10, my father took me to a film production studio where I took part in acting and singing.
“Throughout school, I led in choirs. After school I looked for a job and things were not going on well for me. I worked for one month and I was fired for being late. I was not interested in the job because all I thought about was music.
“I joined Tanga WekwaSando’s band and my professional career started. I then met my husband Tendai. We have been together for 13 years and we have three children.”
Selma said the story sought to encourage parents to care for their children and nurture their talents.
“If my father didn’t spot my singing talent when I was 10 you wouldn’t have known me. Educate your children and don’t marry the girl child off at a tender age,” she said.
Fungisai warned parents against rushing their children into adulthood.
“I am a mother and I have a daughter. Allow children to enjoy their childhood and give them a chance to grow. Mothers, take care of your children,” she said.
“Don’t look at your child as a financial opportunity. I urge the community not to stigmatise against girls who would have fallen victim. Let’s empower them so that they develop from their mistake.
“Let us support the pregnant teenager who should go back to school. Our children are not for sale.”
Shamva South MP Beamwell Bushu strongly warned men against child marriages and gender-based violence.
Kapfupi, Marabha and Ras Child were some of the artistes at the event.