Preserve Marechera’s former home

EDITOR — I was hurt to read that Dambudzo Marechera’s family house has not been preserved in any way to fortify the history it carries.

It was in that house that one of the most important pieces of Zimbabwean literature was formulated.

I think the National Arts Council and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe should join forces in buying the house from the new owners and turn it into a literary museum or library.

That is the best way Dambudzo’s legacy can be kept for future generations to comprehend the way life can influence artistic products.

The same needs to be done for artists even before they die. It would be nice for Dr Oliver Mtukudzi’s first instruments to be kept in a museum for safekeeping.

With that culture in place, it will be difficult for artists’ families to struggle even after they depart.

Recently, there have been images in which former Njerama Boys frontman Paradzayi Mesi is appearing.

He looks to have fallen on hard times, a situation synonymous with most yesteryear stars.

It is high time we set up infrastructure that creates cultural products from local art. Museums, libraries and creative halls are a great way to start.

Dambudzo’s former home can be a great way to start.