Moffat Mungazi
Entertainment Correspondent
IT’S a silent struggle.
Across the globe, in every region, and within our local communities, creatives often battle mental, physical, and emotional struggles in silence, burdens they may hesitate to share with others.
After all, they too are human, experiencing the same vulnerabilities and challenges like anyone else.
It is not a secret that many creatives – visual and performing arts – face significant challenges in raising funds and resources needed for proper healthcare, as well as to provide a dignified burial for their own.
Tragically, the struggle extends to providing a respectful burial for their own, highlighting the harsh reality that even those who enrich our lives through their art often go without the care and dignity they need in their final days.
The heartbreaking reality of some beloved artists being laid to rest in semi-pauper conditions serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for financial planning and security throughout their careers.
In an effort to prevent the all-too-common transition from stage to struggle, a group of creatives in Manicaland is considering launching an initiative designed to support one another during difficult times.
This initiative will provide a safety net for artists facing challenges, ensuring that they are not left to face their hardships alone.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring the artists’ welfare, financial security, and a dignified legacy.
One of the artists spearheading the motion is veteran poet, writer, cultural arts guru and leader of the most decorated arts group in Manicaland, Kelvin Simomondo.
“It is a call to action for artists to join forces to take care of themselves and support their welfare, financial security, and their legacy. My idea is to encourage artists to prioritise their well-being and financial planning by supporting an organisation we intend to form, with a proposed name, Artist Resting Time Services (ARTS). The situation is not unique to Zimbabwe, but at the moment we will like to focus on our local artists.
“We celebrate the creative genius of artists who enrich our lives with their music, literature, visual arts, and performances, but it is essential to acknowledge the often-overlooked struggles they face. Behind the glamour of sold-out shows, hit singles, and critically acclaimed works lies a harsh reality as many artists neglect their own welfare, abuse their finances, and lack preparation for the uncertainties of life.
“The consequences of this neglect can be devastating. When artists fail to prioritise their physical and mental health, they become vulnerable to burnout, chronic illnesses, and even premature death. The financial implications are equally dire. Many artists squander their earnings, leaving them impoverished and reliant on the charity of others in their twilight years. The tragic fate of some of our beloved artists, who have been reduced to pauper’s burials, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial planning and security.
“One of the most critical aspects of an artist’s financial security is insurance. Health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance are essential safeguards against the uncertainties of life.
“However, many artists fail to prioritise these necessities, leaving themselves and their loved ones exposed to financial ruin. This is where the initiative which is designed to provide artists with the tools, resources, and support necessary to prioritise their welfare, financial security, and legacy comes into play. When artists are able to prioritise their welfare and financial security, they are better equipped to produce innovative, high-quality work that enriches our lives and contributes to the cultural fabric of our society,” he said.
Another creative, Taurai Moyo, of Chenhaka Trust, said the idea is commendable, but he believes, access to medical care for artists is a more pressing concern.
“While the initiative is commendable, it is essential to prioritise a more pressing concern, which is access to medical care. Often, illness precedes the need for burial services, and without medical aid, treatment can be unaffordable. As artists, we require comprehensive support systems, including policies that safeguard our well-being. I propose that we prioritise establishing a medical aid scheme to ensure timely access to healthcare, thereby saving lives. Once we have a robust medical aid framework in place, we can then focus on developing a burial society to provide dignified farewell services for our members,” he said.
Tawanda Charie, an Afro-jazz artist, said: “As far as medical aid and funeral facilities are concerned, artists should be capacitated to be able to pay from their pockets.
“We should address the root cause. Local artists should be given jobs and platforms to perform, get paid for it and be able to pay for their welfare.
“We have cheap facilities which do not even need help from anyone, whereby one has to pay only a dollar, but artistes cannot pay that dollar because they are not being given the platforms to work so that they get paid to afford that dollar. We do not need special facilities designed for artists.”
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland manager, Carol Makoni said: It is a noble idea. Creatives’ legacy need to be preserved. The idea, was in previous years raised nationally, unfortunately it had a few takers then. We will be able to support the initiative because I believe this will go a long way in addressing some of the pertinent issues affecting creatives. We will definitely throw our full weight behind this initiative.”
