BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO
Marondera-based Muka Arts Afrika, recently launched the Art Against Abuse campaign prompted by the death of 15-year old Anna Machaya, while giving birth at a Johane Marange shrine in Bocha last month.
Muka Arts founder Kudakwashe “Masta” Mutigwa told Standard Style that the initial call to participate in the online campaign was well received by artistes from all disciplines across the nation.
“Due to the rise of abuse in this Godfrey, we sat down to see how best we can air our condemnation, especially in light of child marriage cases,” he said.
“We launched the campaign this August, a month when women are celebrated.
“We saw it apt to launch it this month to show how much we love and appreciate women as well as advocate against all forms of abuse against them.”
Mutigwa said the response to their initial call to artistes was overwhelming.
“We received work from artistes, who are as far as Kariba. Play your part to save lives – sing, dance, act, recite or paint against the clutches of abuse,” Mutigwa said.
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“Don’t let this social evil destroy our mothers and sisters. Let’s fight it together. Send your art to mukaartsafrika@gmail.com or WhatsApp on 0774553066.”
The work received include a poem Regai Dzive Shiri and a song Bodo done by Langton “Nyanduri LMC” Chenhere from Norton and Godfrey “G Gates” Gatsi from Chinhoyi respectively.
Other participants are a dance group Glowing Stars Crew, dancers Chantelle and Chanice Chinoingira, drawer Allex Ruru Muziyani, Elton Bhaudeni (musician), advocate Kudakwashe Maringapasi from Kariba and poet Elton Sharara from Murombedzi.
Masta said Muka Arts roped in organisations that directly address girl child issues.
“This campaign also helped us to connect with organisations that deal directly with girls’ welfare which it,” he said.
“This unity of purpose gave us more strength to work on and initiate more of these programmes,” he said.
“We believe that art could speak more loudly. The commitment shown by artistes made our passion of creating a safe environment for women and girls achievable.”
