Artistes emulate Chipinge promoters For Idai Victims Support

By Stephen Ephraem

CHIPINGE: Performing artists are emulating the support given to Tropical Cyclone Idai victims in Chipinge and Chimanimani following a series of musical shows that were dedicated to the survivors in recently.

Peace Arts International (PAINT) which is a community development organisation that promotes economic development of artistes in the two districts partnered two Chipinge based arts promoters, YaDzonzai and Mamvura Promotions to hold shows for the survivors.

Speaking to this publication, PAINT show manager, Miss Angeline Majecha, who is also an actress in a Ndau soapie named Gaza, commented promoters for helping Idai survivors to heal.

“We are happy that arts promoters have come on board to help survivors of Tropical Cyclone Idai heal from their trauma. In Chimanimani, PAINT performed at Coppa (Rusitu) and Ngangu. In Chipinge, we showcased at YaDzonzai Gaza O and Tanganda.

“PAINT artistes were support acts for sungura outfits, Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele and Denda Brothers, Itai Muchawaya and Simba Brothers and Alick “Cheso Power” Macheso and Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

“We staged upcoming jazz singer Gerald “Jerry Muzzy” Mucheto, ZimDancehall songstress Precious “Rocky Pee” Mhlanga and an all females dancing group, Peace Arts Queens that comprises of Getrude “Queen Gee” Mhlanga, Lorraine “Natty Bee” Nhamo, Precious “Lady Pee” Dzere and Nyaradzo “Michie M” Muvengwa.

“The response that we got is overwhelming. Survivors sang along to most of the Idai related songs performed by our artistes. We are very happy that promoters are helping Idai survivors heal through arts,” she said.

Miss Majecha indicated that one of the promoters has shown interest to go a step further in the trauma healing.

“One promoter is interested in producing a vernacular film for the survivors. As we speak the film script writing is already done. We are left with other logistics. We hope that the survivors shall benefit from the film project. We encourage other promoters to follow suit,” added Miss Majecha.

Picture: Peace Arts Queens share a lighter moment with sungura musician Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele (left) and Chipinge arts promoter Mr Dzonzai (second from left) at Tanganda,