Shurugwi artists are singing the praises of Collins Mnangagwa, son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, following a generous display of support at the recent official handover ceremony of Zanu-PF offices in the district.
Collins, twin brother to Sean Mnangagwa, surprised the performers with cash gifts ranging from US$100 for students to US$500 for established artists. Around 15 artists participated in the event.
The gesture has been widely lauded as a refreshing change from the experiences many artists typically face. “I am humbled by the surprise kind of support that… I had gone there to perform for free but surprisingly, am now US$400 richer. This is a tip of the iceberg. Hopefully local events organisers will emulate the good gesture,” said poet Brighton Mashazhu, expressing the sentiment shared by many.
Another artist, who preferred to remain anonymous, echoed this sentiment, stating: “I am tongue-tied by the kind of support. Local artists are often used and dumped like used condoms but the member of the first family has set an example that artworks are valuable business, hence artists must be paid for their services and time they spend on crafting such work.” This candid statement highlights the common struggles faced by artists in the region, often exploited for their talent without fair compensation.
The positive impact of Collins Mnangagwa’s generosity is already being felt within the artistic community. Mavis Koslek, Chairperson of the Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association, commented: “Such magnitude of support if allowed to continue in our district and province has the power to release creative energy among both upcoming and seasoned artists and made to appreciate cultural heritage and cultivate rich interests, which they can pursue in their leisure and, later in life.” This statement underscores the potential for long-term growth and development within the arts sector fueled by such acts of patronage.
An opposition councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, had to set political differences aside and thank Collins for his good gesture:
“This had no political connotation, the young man is people-centred, his gesture today was genuine, apolitical and non-partisan, not even one artist was asked his or her political affiliation before awarded his token of appreciation after performing,” he said.
This counterpoint suggests that the act of generosity was indeed motivated by a desire to support local artists, irrespective of their political leanings.
