Let’s honour our legends
JANUARY is special on the showbiz calendar.
We lost superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi on January 23, 2019, and Zex Manatsa on January 20 last year.
Revered mbira icon, Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, died last Friday, making it a special commemorative month.
Tuku succumbed to diabetes aged 66 and was declared a national hero. He was buried at his Madziwa homestead in Mashonaland Central where he was given a huge send off.
Manatsa and Mbuya Chiweshe were given State assisted burials due to the impressive body of arts they built in combined careers exceeding a century.
Tuku, Manatsa and Mbuya Chiweshe represented Zimbabwe with distinction both locally and internationally.
They also left an indelible mark on the showbiz calendar that will inspire future generations.
Tuku left behind a well-equipped arts centre in Norton called Pakare Paye, while Manatsa taught his sons the ropes.
Mbuya Chiweshe was also constructing her arts centre in Bindura, an indication that she had Zimbabweans heart.
These are the kind of icons Zimbabwe produced.
A legend is known for his or her deeds which benefit the nation as is the case with this trio. They achieved almost everything on the local showbiz scene.
The trio needs to be saluted for paving the way for younger artists.
Among the three, Mbuya Chiweshe defied odds and pursued a genre which used to be a preserve for males.
Her bravery saw her playing Mbira Dzevadzimu, which only used to be played by male gwenyambiras.
The defiant Mbuya Chiweshe silenced all doubting Thomases and demonstrated that the girl child can also excel in any field of her choice if accorded maximum support.
Despite being despised in the formative years as a mbira player, she never threw in the towel, but persevered.
Hers is a case of resilience and hard work, which saw her conquering a male-dominated field.
The multiple award winner preached the message of Ubuntu, unity and love through her music, and will best be remembered as a true cultural ambassador.
She will also be remembered as a mentor who inspired younger mbira players such as Chiwoniso Maraire, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange and Hope Masike, among others.
There are, however, genuine fears that some of the trio’s projects might be affected after their departure.
In the case of Tuku and Mbuya Chiweshe, there is a need to maintain the arts centres they set up to ensure that they don’t become white elephants.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and its parent Ministry need to intervene and ensure that the trio’s legacies are not buried with them.