Macheso PhD drive heightens

AFFABLE entrepreneur and Nash Paints boss, Tinashe Mutarisi, will today approach education chiefs at the University of Zimbabwe with their proposal for musician Alick Macheso to be awarded a doctorate degree for his influence in showbiz.

Mutarisi, whose staff initiated the campaign on their Facebook where it has garnered over 20000 likes, says Macheso's impressive body of art needs no scrutiny.

Although the proposal has divided opinions, Mutarisi insists Zimbabwean can only ignore Macheso's rare feat as an entertainer, social evangelist and philanthropist at the on peril.

"We all know what Macheso is made of and the influence he has in the past 20 years at the helm of Orchestra Mberikwazvo.

"He is one such an artiste whose music has changed many people's lives owing to the rich message he carries and the advice he shares," said Mutarisi on the sidelines of the just ended Madirirano Festival where he was one of the partners.

PHILANTHROPY
Mutarisi has also hailed the sungura ace who turns 50 on June 10 this year for helping the needy.

"I have been to Macheso's residence on several occasions and each time I have been there, I have come across needy people asking for help.

"Macheso has been an unsung philanthropist who has not only upgraded his family and band members' lives but has and is still helping strangers who always frequent his place of residence.

"Unlike other celebrities who first look for donations to give to the needy members of the society, Macheso has been forking out money from his pocket, which makes him one rare philanthropist who needs recognition.

"Unlike most celebrities who rush to the press after sourcing donations, Macheso prefers doing his philanthropic work quietly and surely, we can't ignore him for his efforts.

"Locally, people tend to honour their heroes when they are gone but it's always better to reward them while they are still alive to inspire others."

OPINIONS +
While their initiative has divided their opinions, Mutarisi said they won't stop their campaign.

"I have read some of the comments on social media where people have been sharing their opinions with is health.

"Since Zimbabwe is a democratic country, people can still make their proposals. For instance, when one thinks Chipanga deserves the honour, they can still make their proposals but in our case, we have settled for Macheso.

"Of course there are those who are saying Macheso's mentor Madzibaba Zakaria deserves the honour but Madzibaba had his mentor and the list goes on and on.

"After garnering over 20000 likes on Facebook we are going to approach the UZ chiefs on Tuesday (today) with our proposal.

"It's up to them to shoot our proposal down or not but we will make an effort and submit our proposal to the responsible authority who will them make a decision."

Ambassadorial criteria
He also took time to explain the criteria he uses when appointing brand ambassadors.

Unlike other corporates who prefer dealing with celebrities carrying the 'lady/man of the moment' tag, Mutarisi has a different approach.

"We consider so many things as is the case with Alick Macheso who is mature and has a lot of influence.

"As for Jah Prayzah that we have been working with, he is just a personal friend and not ambassador.

"In fact, it was Jah who recorded our first single while Macheso was appointed as an ambassador.

"We enjoy working with most of these artistes and it is their influence that we consider when making our appointment for the good of both parties involved," he added.