DANCERS Association of Zimbabwe (Daz) is appealing to
well-wishers to come to the rescue of dancers who are reportedly “starving in
their homes” owing to coronavirus (Covid-19)-induced inactivity.
Daz president Hapaguti “Harpers” Mapimhidze told the Daily
News yesterday that dancers have been the hardest hit among artists as the
national lockdown takes its toll on their livelihoods as they cannot perform
before paying crowds.
Dancers are usually billed to perform in nightclubs, at
weddings, parties or other social gatherings which have since March 30 been
banned.
“Musicians are getting some online concerts and prior to
the lockdown musicians were getting more than dancers in terms of remuneration.
The dancers were struggling to pay rentals for a room in high density suburbs.
So just imagine now.
“Dancers are ‘dying’ of hunger in their homes during this
lockdown and I urge local promoters and other well-wishers to chip in and help
the situation,” said Harpers.
Mapimhidze singled out a handful of dancers who are
currently leading a better life.
“We can talk of Beverly Sibanda, Zoey Sifelani and Apama;
the majority of dancers are wallowing in poverty,” he said.
Daz is made up of about 50 dance groups including Zoey’s
Red Angels, Manjenjenje, Prama Stove, Four Angels, Sarah Dee, Peter Kagomere,
Pala Pala, Wasu, Crazy Boys, Millenium, Mageshi, Chocolate, Fearless, Digital,
Digital Queens, Unique Queens, Hot and Bling, Kalawa, Red Piston, Chimora,
Extra Hot, Malaika, Royal, Dragon, All Stars, Mabhatiri, Naked Weapon, Zero
Degrees, Starlight, Mandisa Queens, Sexy Bellas, Generations, Creamy Lolipops,
Bella Queens, Clara Super Steppers and Fireworks among others.
The Sexy Angels leader, Bev is being spoiled by her United
Kingdom-based husband Chambuka Mufudzi.
Apama, real name
David Machowa, told the Daily News he was working with the Ruwa Local Board to
disseminate social and health messages in the community during the course of
the lockdown.
“As a dancer, you should always invest. You can invest in
relationships, it’s fine. It will help you one day. As for me, I have a good
working relationship with the Ruwa Local Board. During this lockdown, I was
working with them on a number of projects including doing some road shows and
produced some skits among others, all meant to educate the society on how to
curb the spread of Covid-19,” Machowa said. Daily News
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