MUTARE-BASED gospel musician Jairos Mutambikwa has urged fellow artistes to empower talented underprivileged people so that they do not depend on begging to make ends meet.
Mutambikwa told NewsDay Life & Style that gospel music is preaching, hence the way gospel artistes live should align with the messages they portray in their music.
He strongly believes that people with disabilities have a lot to offer and their gifts must help them live decent lives, adding that he yearned to see the less privileged grow and benefit from their talents.
Mutambikwa was moved by Casper and Memory Tsamhiri who are visually-impaired and play an acoustic guitar in Mutare central business district with those who enjoy their performances giving them whatever amount they have.
“I was moved when I saw Casper Tsamhiri playing his acoustic guitar in town, then I decided to sponsor his recording and collaborated on the song Kunamata Kwakanaka so that instead of performing for very little money like ZWL$100, they can sell compact disks of their music for US$1,” he said.
Mutambikwa also assisted another visually-impaired duo Paul Mavhunda and Temba Kupfembudu, affectionately known as “Unique Giants”, by helping them to record their song called Mambo Wangu Ndimi. The two are former members of the Jairos Jiri band.
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Mutambikwa noted that celebrities and anyone doing outstanding work should give back to the communities they serve.
“It is true that we have worked to get the money, it is ours, but we also have people from the community to empower. Celebrities are vulnerable to people who come asking for help, we need to empower those who genuinely need our help,” Mutambikwa added.
Mutambikwa appealed to radio stations to provide airplay to less privileged musicians to help them push the sales of their songs. He also urged the corporate community to come on board to collectively help the less privileged. Mutambikwa hopes to expand this initiative to other parts of the country if he gets support and funding to start a foundation.
Away from philanthropic work, Mutambikwa is the ambassador of Mutare City Council and works with the Environmental Management Agency in environmental awareness campaigns such as promoting recycling and cleanliness.