Furore over Zhakata’s ‘gift’

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

For over 30 years, gifted musician Leonard Zhakata has churned several hits, been labelled a political activist and had his music banned from the public broadcaster but he soldiered on until his “gift” came this week from an unlikely source, Wicknel Chivayo.

The lyrical genius found himself on harm’s way under the late former President Robert Mugabe’s regime that classified his music as inciting but the soft-spoken legend maintained his cool, insisting his music was for the people.

Despite all his setbacks musically that also saw him transforming into a Pastor with Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family Interdenominational Church (UFIC), Zhakata never joined politics, never aligned himself to any outfit but remained singing for the people.

This week, maverick businessman, Chivayo announced his appreciation for Zhakata’s music and how it inspired him growing up to be where he is now.

As a token, he gifted the Mugove hitmaker with a new vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner 2024 model.

“However, as I had planned to celebrate my birthday uniquely this year, I decided to honour three outstanding music icons who always inspired me and my mother during the toughest times of our lives,” Chivayo said.

Indeed, judging by what many said on various platforms, Zhakata contributed in inspiring Zimbabweans in tough moments through his lyrics.

Wicknel gifted not only the ZORA music star but also celebrated retired gospel singer Mechanic Manyeruke and the decorated gospel music couple, Charles and Olivia Charamba.

However, it is Zhakata’s acceptance of the vehicle that has set people talking.

Many in the opposition have sought to personalise Zhakata and viewed him as a shield in their fight against Zanu PF hence their anger on social media platforms.

Former opposition lawmaker Fadzai Mahere took to microblogging site Twitter to question Zhakata’s move.

“Does Zhakata know who he is?” Mahere quizzed rhetorically.

“The question of who is donating those cars is a separate one and I will deal with it separately. 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,” she argued.

“If Zimbabwe had an economy that worked, an artist would make more than enough not just to survive but also to thrive. They would stroll into a dealership at leisure and pick a top of the range vehicle many times over.”

Her position was met with mixed reactions with many even accusing opposition-linked lawyers of dealing with Zanu PF-linked clients.

Another former opposition activist Obey Sithole now based in Europe also attacked Zhakata questioning why he received the vehicle.

“I am a huge fan of Zhakata since time immemorial, I always listen with enjoyment any of his songs. That aside, the level of bootlicking that he has exhibited in this video is epic. Not even a politician aiming for a safe seat has ever bootlicked a leader to this extent,” Sithole said.

Former Harare Mayor Herbert Gomba said the opposition must not condemn Zhakata for getting his gift saying they have failed to appreciate those they view as supporting them.

“Years back I once told the opposition leaders that the next phase of politics will be transactional. They laughed at it. Until the opposition move out of their mental silos, see the need to compliment efforts by their supporters, pay polling agents, give a hand where possible, live up to the change mantra, stop playing mental games with people, help the needy, it’s nothing for them,” Gomba said.

“The era where your activists are killed, you go there and make speeches, pray and leave an abandoned family without help must end. The era where you only do a go fund to buy your leader’s car but remain quiet about your members who have lost parents due to political violence must stop.”

While other top artistes including Aleck Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Seh Calaz, DJ Fantan, Andy Muridzo among others have received Chivayo’s gifts, it is mainly Zhakata’s that has attracted political anger mainly from the opposition circles.

At his peak, Zhakata confronted the regime with music interpreted to mean fighting for human rights in the country and fighting against corruption earning the activist tag for him.

Opposition activists expected Zhakata to act like Thomas Mapfumo who refused Chivayo’s “dirty money.

Despite political anger, Zhakata’s loyal fans defended their role model on social media platforms.

Tumai Manyerere said : “This guy deserves it together with the other two .These are storytellers of our generation .They mentored and comforted thousands in their hours and days of misery. Now I can look back as a recipient of their encouragement and spiritual guidance with pride.”

Another fan, Chioniso Mashakada chipped in saying : “Is it only me who was wondering why Zhakata was yet to get his car.”