By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Masvingo artists have complained over lack of recognition for their work saying artists from other provinces were prioritised on performances during events held in the province.
This came out during an event organized by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) on September 21, 2024, at Chevron Hotel in Masvingo.
They said the major challenge was exclusion from national events held locally and when they do in most cases they are not paid.
Vadamburi Express Band leader Last Chirambamurivo said the responsible authorities were supposed to make sure that at least two artists are on posters whenever there is an event to promote local talent.
“We are currently encountering various challenges such as exclusion from regional national events like galas and shows, where external artists are often prioritized over local talent. Despite our talent and efforts, Masvingo artists are often overlooked leading to missed opportunities for recognition and compensation.
“We aim to feature at least two local artists on event posters to boost visibility and income and we seek financial support from government offices to improve our studios with better instruments and equipment,” said the artist.
Another band member who preferred anonymity said artists from Harare pocketed a lot of money while local artists got nothing during the Heroes Day celebrations in Masvingo.
“During the Heroes’ celebrations, an artist from Harare was engaged to perform at Chevron Hotel, despite our performance prior to his arrival. The visiting artist played a few songs and got US$500, whereas we received no compensation despite performing diligently from 2100 hours to 0100 hours.
“During His Excellency’s birthday celebrations, local artists were particularly absent from the performance lineup. It appears that local artists should seek recognition and opportunities in Harare before being recognized in their own areas,” he said.
Speaking at the event, NACZ Programmes Officer Oliver Chauke emphasized that Masvingo artists lack unity and cohesion. He suggested that they should establish structures that amplify their voices and foster a spirit of devolution within the artistic community.
“We should establish an association to advocate for our interests if we feel that a WhatsApp group called Zimgroup is not acknowledging us. We must create structures that amplify our voices and promote devolution ensuring that no event in Masvingo proceeds without a local artist featured on the poster.
“As artists, it is our responsibility to communicate with the ministry as well as NACZ presenting our queries and suggestions. Recently the Provincial Information Officer Rodgers Irimayi mentioned in Zimgroup before His Excellency’s birthday that those interested in performing at Nemamwa should submit their names,” said Chauke.
