By Meditation Mposi
Masvingo veterinary supervisor, Everet Haskes, is fast gaining recognition for his diverse talents in the performing arts with special interest in music, poetry, drama, writing and dance proving that science and art can go hand in hand.
Born in 1982, Haskes said his passion for music, poetry, drama, writing, and dance started while in secondary school where he would preach, dance and act in dramas.
“My journey started way back in secondary school, where I would preach during assemblies, recite poems, dance, and act in dramas. When I was in Form Four, I wrote a play titled ‘Zvowoenda Munyika.’ The drama aimed to discourage my peers from drug abuse and promiscuous behavior as we were about to finish our Ordinary Level exams. I played the role of a nightclub dancer who lured unsuspecting victims into the life of drugs and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ultimately leading to their downfall,” said Haskes.
He said his talent became evident when he participated in a beauty and dance competition at his school after his friend, Edmore Magura, paid the $5 entry fee, believing in his potential and won the first prize out of sixty competitors.
Haskes attended Mhungudza Primary School before proceeding to Mushandike High School. He later enrolled at Mazowe Veterinary College from 2011 to 2013.
His career journey began at Tsungai Trading in Masvingo, where he was later promoted to oversee Harare branches in 2006. In 2003, while working at Tsungai Trading, he collaborated with Munyaradzi Munodawafa on a song titled Messiah Huyai, but financial constraints prevented them from recording it.
In 2009, he joined Mhandamabwe Animal Health Centre as a Veterinary Extension Officer. By 2022, he had risen to the position of Masvingo supervisor, overseeing the Masvingo South region.
“Later, while working in Mhandamabwe, I wrote another song titled Tsika, but again, I couldn’t record due to lack of funds. I also wrote Hondo ne January Disease after witnessing the devastating loss of cattle due to the January disease outbreak. As a vet officer and a patriotic Zimbabwean, I saw this as an opportunity to educate the public on disease prevention, symptoms, control measures, and the importance of dipping their cattle,” he said.
Determined to make a difference, Haskes eventually recorded a song called Mutoriro, warning against drug abuse.
“The song discourages people from using harmful substances like cocaine, ‘dombo’ (crystal meth), and broncleer, which lead to death, violence, imprisonment, and deteriorating health,” he said.
He also released a track titled ‘Transformer’, inspired by his admiration for a woman he describes as having an angelic beauty.
“In the song, I compare her to a powerful transformer—she lights up the world when she is at her best,” he said.
Haskes said his latest song, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, promotes sustainable farming practices and expressed his to create a music video for the song.
“The song highlights the benefits of the Pfumvudza method, including minimal soil disturbance, low input requirements, and high yields. It aligns with our President’s Vision 2030 by educating farmers on best agricultural practices, expected harvests, and productivity measurements. I would love to create a music video for the song if I secure funding,” he said.
Haskes also expressed his desire for sponsorship to acquire musical instruments, as he currently hires equipment for his performances.
“If I can get support, it would help me grow as an artist and continue using music to educate and inspire others,” he said.
