DANCEHALL chanter Winky D, who is riding high with his
latest single Kasong Kejecha, yesterday said it was difficult for an artiste to
explore human rights themes in Zimbabwe without being labelled political.
Speaking at a Press conference where Harare International
Festival of the Arts (Hifa) organisers and the Netherlands Embassy in Harare
announced that they were joining hands to celebrate Human Rights Day and the
70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Winky D said the
programme was significant to him.
The five-day film and live music concert is set to roar to
life today at Kamunhu business centre in Mabvuku, Harare. “This human rights
programme that I am part of means a lot to me because as artistes in terms of
expressing our views, it is very difficult to mention things concerning human
rights without being labelled political,” he said.
“So, for me as Winky D, this is a great platform. So on
Saturday I am going to be expressing myself to the fullest without fear and
bias, so I just want you to urge your friends and relatives to come out in
their numbers and have a nice time on Saturday.”
The artiste said he was excited to be part of a programme
where he will be using his music as a vehicle to spread awareness on human
rights issues.
The free film and music programme will also feature
chanters Freeman, Killer T, Jah Signal and the Female DJ Movement.
Opening at Kamunhu business centre today, the screenings
and musical performances will then move to Hatcliffe tomorrow, Chigovanyika in
St Mary’s in Chitungwiza on Thursday before heading to Ziko in Seke and
Overspill in Epworth on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Netherlands ambassador to Zimbabwe, Barbara van Hellemond
said the initiative is meant to promote wider awareness on issues surrounding
human rights through film and music.
“Besides being a general expression and celebration of the
best elements of humanity, art is a form of a lingua franca through which
matters of social importance can be expressed. This makes the activities in the
Human Rights Week both a celebration of humanity and encouragement towards
conversation pertaining to the promotion of that humanity through human
rights,” she said.Newsday
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