Honour Musicians While They Are Still Alive
Zimbabwe Union of Musicians patron Cde Webster Shamu has urged stakeholders in the music industry to recognise and honour musicians while they are still alive.
Speaking at Cephas Mashakada’s 25th wedding anniversary in Chitungwiza on Sunday, Cde Shamu said local artistes had a big role in educating and informing hence the need to recognise them for their efforts.
“The union of musicians should represent artistes so that they get access to certain benefits with ease as they have a very important role in the society.
“Some musicians are not being paid well when they perform at various entertainment joints. It should be the duty of the union to see to it that musicians get paid well in relation to the type of the show,” Cde Shamu said.
He also urged local authorities to complement the informative role played by musicians in nation building.
“Local authorities should at least honour their local musicians by providing residential stands for them.
“It is surprising that we still have streets with colonial names and whenever we change names for streets they are usually named after late people.
“Cephas Mashakada, Hosiah Chipanga and Alick Macheso should walk on streets named after them while they are still living,” Cde Shamu said.
He said local authorities should recognise musicians just like what the Government did to the late Simon Chimbetu who was accorded provincial hero status.
“With solidarity and unity of purpose with other musicians in the region, our regional tourism sector will reach greater heights if music is used to support it,” Cde Shamu added.
Some of the people who attended the function included musicians Chipanga, who set the podium ablaze with his unique dances, and Bob Nyabinde also who performed.
Mai Macheso, Mai Chipanga and Mai Tazvida — the late musician System Tazvida’s widow — also attended.
[Via The Herald]
