Netherlands-based Zimbabwean contemporary musician Vimbai
Zimuto has bemoaned losses caused by the Covid-19-induced lockdown, but
revealed she is soldiering on amid the challenging situation.
The all-rounder artiste who plays mbira, marimba,
traditional Zimbabwean percussion and is also a dancer and choreographer for
modern and traditional African dances, said she had an exciting year planned
with bookings and lined up projects but it all went down the drain because of
Covid-19.
“The lockdown dealt us a big blow as artists. We were not
prepared for this.
“I had planned my 2020 till December, booked air tickets,
venues, studios and so forth which never happened because of Covid-19. I really
felt lost the whole of March, April and June but I am not allowing that
situation to cocoon me,” she said.
Zimuto, who was recently in the country to renew her
passport and finalise some projects, said coming home during Covid-19 brought
her face to face with the cruel situation.
“I realised my passport was expiring in January 2021 while
my identity card needed fixing, so I sacrificed and came to Zimbabwe in July
but left without fixing the issue because the offices were closed. It has
forced me again to plan for another trip to come back before the end of the
year.
“This was the most painful experience I have ever gone
through in Zimbabwe. I was in quarantine for eight days. I only did some
photoshoots in Domboshava,” she said.
Zimuto, who saluted her band for their resilience and
commitment, also revealed that there are new songs and videos coming.
“I have new projects coming including the Kupakichwa
official video. We are not allowing the situation to stall us and I am grateful
to my band for their commitment,” she said.
The musician also shared some words of advice to fellow
musicians during this Covid-19 period.
“All can say is that we should not allow anyone to give us
unnecessary pressure and telling you are out of reckoning.
“It’s not over yet, stay home, strategise, write more and
create more. Engage tailors for uniforms because tailors have more time at
home. Plan ahead because Covid-19 will not stay forever. Create your own
narrative,” she said. Herald
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