RYAN CHIGOCHE
Local and international artistes across genres have come together for a music project that seeks to raise awareness on child abuse issues, Business Times can report.
The project, which comes as cases of child abuse continues to increase, is the brainchild of Edzai Kachirekwa, the managing director of Power Giants, a leading electricity and power generation firm with branches across southern Africa.
The song titled Regai Dzive Shiri, features top Zimbabwean gospel and secular artistes, including Sandra Ndebele, Michael Mahendere, Suluman Chimbetu, Selmor Mtukudzi, Tendai Manatsa, Anita Jaxson, Progress Chipfumo, Worshipper Lary Gunda, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Taren Da, and the South African Duo of Mike and Mbali.
Regai Dzive Shiri is set to be officially launched this week concurrently with the video at Zimbali Gardens under the theme: Protecting The Girl Child Is Protection Towards The Future Mother.
The track was produced by (Michael) Mahendere and co-produced by Carven Gumbanjera, Nigel Nyangombe and (Edzai) Kachirekwa.
It was recorded at Naletha Studios and mixed at YourSoundAfrica.
Speaking to Business Times Gumbanjera said “Statistics show that child sexual abuse and child marriages are on the increase despite the existence of laws to punish perpetrators. We are preaching against child abuse through music as a medium of communication that reaches a wider audience with a view of influencing policy change and societal attitude towards the vice.
“Therefore we call on all stakeholders to condemn child abuse as the increasing number of cases is quite alarming.”
Sexual abuse, violence, and neglect characterize the life of many children in Zimbabwe and orphans are particularly the most vulnerable.
Official figures in Zimbabwe show a dramatic increase in child rape and molestation of children and young people under the age of 16 as such incidences have almost doubled within a short span.
Kachirekwa told this publication that there was a need to end the vice as the young people are the future of tomorrow.
“The next generation needs protection. Daily, we hear and read stories of child abuse and child marriages. This has to stop now. I experienced a tough life when growing up and managed to overcome those harsh experiences, as a graduate.
“My wife Evelyn and myself have decided to take a stand and Regai Dzive Shiri should make an impact at the national level in the fight against child abuse,” Kachireka told Business Times.
