VISUAL artist Keith Zenda (KZ) says his works celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditional practices of “our beautiful country”.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style’s Tendai Sauta (ND), Zenda says he seeks to honour the heroes as game-changers who shaped our nation. He also engages with themes of national heritage and patriotism by incorporating symbols, motifs and imagery that reflect Zimbabwe's history, culture and values. Find excerpts below:
ND: What does Heroes Day mean to you and how do you understand the significance of this day on Zimbabwe's national calendar? How do you think the day is perceived by the broader Zimbabwean community?
KZ: Heroes Day is a day of great significance to me, as it honours the selfless sacrifices of our liberation war heroes who fought for our country's independence. I believe the day is perceived by the broader Zimbabwean community as a time for reflection, gratitude and celebration of our nation's hard-won freedom. It's a day to remember the bravery and resilience of our heroes and to draw inspiration from their legacy.
ND: How do you or your peers in the creative sector respond to or commemorate Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day through art, music, literature or other creative expressions? Are there any notable works or projects you've been involved in that relate to these days?
KZ: As a visual artist, I often create pieces that reflect on Zimbabwe's history and heritage. My peers and I respond to Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day by creating works that honour our national heroes and celebrate our country's military bravery. Some notable projects I have been involved in include exhibitions that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Zimbabwean culture, as well as pieces that pay tribute to our liberation war heroes.
ND: What challenges do you face as a creative in representing or interpreting national days like Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day in your work? How do you balance personal expression with the broader national narrative or expectations?
KZ: As a creative, I face the challenge of balancing my expression with the broader national narrative or expectations. I strive to stay true to my artistic vision while also respecting the significance of these national days. I believe it's essential to approach these themes with sensitivity and authenticity, ensuring that my work is a genuine reflection of my perspective and experiences.
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ND: What lessons or messages do you think future generations of Zimbabweans should take away from the commemoration of Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day? How can creatives contribute to shaping the narrative of these days in a way that is meaningful for both current and future generations?
KZ: I believe future generations of Zimbabweans should take away the importance of patriotism, sacrifice and resilience from the commemoration of Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day.
Creatives can contribute to shaping the narrative of these days by creating works that reflect on the significance of these national days, while also exploring new perspectives and themes that resonate with both current and future generations. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of our national heroes continues to inspire and motivate future generations.
