AWARD-WINNING visual artist-cum-musician Richard Mupumha has called for the promotion of unity through his sculpture, Uniting Zimbabwe, Europe and The World.
Also known as the art president because of his versatility in abstract creation and fine art, Mupumha said music was an emblem of social equality that knew no boundaries.
“Music is a worldwide appreciated creative media which provides people with an opportunity to bring some instruments and voices together to express themselves in happiness, sadness, praise and worship among other several aspects of life,” he told NewsDay Life & Style.
Mupumha’s installation is viewed through bookings when he is not playing his guitar or carving new sculptures.
The Uniting Zimbabwe, Europe and The World piece was recently recognised at the United in Diversity Visual Art Competitions at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
The European Union-sponsored competition brought several unheralded talents into the limelight.
Among the competition winners were Shepherd Deve, Tracy Chatsama, Lorraine Mavura, Ishmael Chitiyo, Lawrence Tirivangani, Blessing Mutukwa, Simelokhuhle Zibengwa and Chango Chitoko.
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“People express their emotions through music and other art forms. Uniting Zimbabwe, Europe and The World artefact consist of five heads in conversation, a drummer (spring stone), mbira (green opal), a drum (spring stone), hosho/rattle (fruit serpentine), guitar (fruit stone), saxophone (lapidolite), beer pot (springstone) and a gourd/cup (dolomite),” he explained.
“Zimbabwe and Europe, through this installation, have been united. As part of our Zimbabwean and African culture, we serve beer or water to welcome visitors at home and this is the importance of the clay pot and gourd/cup (mukombe).”
Mupumha said mbira produced a wide range of sounds and represented a distinct voice from all countries of the world.
“The melorhythmic drumming or singing drum provides both rhythm and connecting voices to call people together. The Western instruments, the guitar and the saxophone help in providing a jazzy and broader sound,” he said.
“The microphone signifies the need to celebrate and amplify the connectivity and union of Zimbabwe and Europe.”
Mupumha believes that an inclusive school curriculum which teaches cultural diversity, including local languages, instils peace and unity in citizens from childhood.
As a musician, Mupumha has entertained people at different gatherings. He is famed for songs like Imikaimi Mukwane and Imheni Here?
Some of his globally appealing artworks include Kakara Kununa (mixed art), Sekuru Kaguvi (Springstone), Union (butterjade mixed art) and Waiting for a Kiss (springstone) among others.
