Mahere slams gifted cars to artists

Former Mt Pleasant Member of Parliament and outspoken political figure, Fadzayi Mahere, has sharply criticized the recent trend of gifting cars to Zimbabwean music artists, calling it a form of disrespect and a reflection of the country's struggling economy.

Her comments come in the wake of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's gesture of gifting brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs to iconic musicians Mai Charamba, Leonard Zhakata, and Mechanic Manyeruke. The presentation of the vehicles has sparked a national debate on the state of the arts industry and the country's broader economic health.

In a post on X, Mahere questioned the appropriateness of the gifts, arguing that in a properly functioning economy, these artists should be able to afford luxury vehicles without relying on handouts. She stated:

"The larger point is that the economy is so bad that most of our iconic artists and celebrities are reduced to basket cases who are unable to make enough money out of music that they have to take petty donations. If Zimbabwe had an economy that worked, an artist would make more than enough not just to survive but also to thrive."

Mahere further criticized the Toyota Fortuner, describing it as a "common vehicle" that even ordinary citizens might drive, and suggested that it was not the type of car that the country's top artists should be driving. She compared the situation to that of South African artists, questioning whether they would accept such a gift. She added:

"A Fortuner is not the car we expect our biggest celebrities to be driving. It is an ordinary vehicle that common citizens like you or I can maybe drive. Just look at South African artists in the league of ours and ask yourself whether they'd be seen driving a Fortuner, let alone accepting a donation of one?"

Mahere's comments reflect her broader frustration with the state of Zimbabwe's economy and its effects on the arts sector. She argued that the current economic conditions are preventing Zimbabwean artists from achieving financial independence, forcing them to depend on the whims of wealthy individuals and politicians for survival.

"This moment tells an important story about the state of Zimbabwe's economy and the health of the arts industry. Both are comatose as a consequence of bad governance," Mahere said.

She also criticized the ruling elite for perpetuating poverty, claiming that the government intentionally keeps Zimbabweans in a state of dependency. "We can all see what's happening here. ‘They' want everyone to be poor so that ‘they' bail everyone out and ensure everyone is beholden to them for these handouts. It's not right," Mahere asserted.

Mahere emphasized that Zimbabwe's cultural icons, many of whom have shaped the nation's music landscape for generations, deserve better. She questioned the dignity of being an artist in such a system and raised concerns about artistic freedom in an environment where political handouts are necessary for survival.

"Some of these names have been at the core of the culture for more than a generation. Their hits are embedded in our lives. We know the words. We love their music. And we love them. Why should they be disrespected like this? Where is the dignity in being an artist if that is what one is eventually reduced to?" she said.

Mahere also expressed concern for the potential limitations on artistic expression, questioning whether artists would have the freedom to address societal issues that may not align with the interests of politicians. "Why must an artist be at the mercy of politicians in order to survive? What if they want to sing about a societal issue that may offend the politicians? Will they have the freedom to do so?" she asked.

Her comments resonate with broader concerns about Zimbabwe's economic struggles and their impact on various sectors, including the arts, and highlight the challenges facing creative professionals in the country.