SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso this week missed Youth,
Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry’s visit at his Alema
Studios at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex after he reportedly travelled outside
Harare.
Macheso is said to have travelled to Mashonaland East
Province on humanitarian work, where he is expected to visit Chivhu and its
surrounding areas.
Minister Coventry was supposed to visit Alema Studios as
part of her familiarisation tour of arts centres in Harare, Chitungwiza and
Bulawayo.
The minister intends to meet artistes and hear their views,
challenges and areas that need improvement in the arts sector. Minister
Coventry opted to visit young and talented music producer Tapiwa ‘Maselo’
Jera’s studio.
Macheso’s handler and Orchestra Mberikwazvo publicist, Tich
Makahamadze, confirmed the development.
“It is true that Mdhara (Macheso) is not in Harare,” he
said. He travelled outside Harare for his humanitarian work.
“As you are aware, Macheso is involved in a lot of
humanitarian work and he had already travelled when we received news that our
esteemed minister had plans to visit our studios at Aquatic Complex.
“We were left in a catch-22 situation, as it was now
difficult for us to make another arrangement for him to travel back.”
Makahamadze indicated that they communicated with Minister Coventry’s office
over his boss’ absence.
“I am sure that another separate arrangement will be made
to make sure that our esteemed minister visit our studios and fulfil her plans.
“This was one of the greatest opportunities for us as Orchestra Mberikwazvo to
share our views with the highest office in the arts. “It was also a great
honour to us, as we felt she recognised our role and contribution in the arts
sector,” he said.
Makahamadze thanked Minister Coventry for her gesture and
commitment towards developing the arts industry.
He said Minister Coventry’s visit to arts centres and
artistes will also assist in helping the
Government to have an insight into the needs and challenges being faced by
artistes in the industry.
Yesterday, Minister Coventry and her team visited
Chitungwiza Arts Centre, Franktone School of Arts and National Gallery School
of Art and Design in Mbare. She also met traditional dance and theatre groups
at Area J Community Hall in Mufakose.
The minister is tomorrow expected to visit Bulawayo
Province where she is looking forward to be at Mzilikazi Arts Centre and
National Art Gallery Bulawayo. She is also expected to visit the Black Umfolosi
Centre in Ntumbane and Multi Media Box and Gorilla Studios.
The minister will also meet Indosakusa Choir at Inyathi
Youth Centre in Mpopoma. Herald
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