Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter
The flames of independence were kept ablaze by music before and during the protracted liberation struggle in high-density suburbs like Mbare, Highfield, Makokoba, Mpopoma, Mtapa and Sakubva, among others, President Mnangagwa has said.
He was speaking at the presentation of gifts to Mbare Chimurenga Choir Groups on Boxing Day at State House.
The occasion was held to honour the Mbare Chimurenga Choir Groups’ contributions to Zimbabwe’s cultural and national identity.
President Mnangagwa said cultural creative industries did not only promote economic development through various art forms, but also nurtured social cohesion and cultural identity.
“As you are aware, the cultural creative industries play a vital role in society by fostering economic growth through creative outputs such as music, art, design, fashion and film, among others,” said the President.
“They also contribute significantly to social cohesion, cultural identity, innovation and individual well-being by nurturing creativity, expression and engagement within communities.
“Honouring the Mbare Chimurenga Choir Groups is appreciation, through them, of the many musicians and artists who continue to use their artistic talents to defend the gains of our Independence and advance our national development identity, image and culture.
“It was in residential areas such as Mbare, Highfield, Makokoba, Mpopoma, Mtapa and Sakubva, among others, where the flames for Independence were kept ablaze before and during our protracted war of liberation,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said through song and dance, young people were mobilised to go for military training and subsequently to fight for the freedom of the country.
In the post-Independence era, said President Mnangagwa, it is groups and musicians such as Mbare Chimurenga Choir Groups who used their exceptional talent to promote cultural diversity and rally younger generations around the various national development programmes.
He congratulated Mbare Chimurenga Choir Groups for the consistency with which they have utilised their musical talent for the good of the country and the ruling ZANU PF party.
“Your music with its educating lyrics is a symbol of the hope and resilience that inspires countless individuals to remain patriotic and safeguard our beloved nation,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The performance you have delivered over the years inculcates the values of unity, resilience and love. Your revolutionary spirit is a beacon of light and hope. It is also a reminder of our collective history, our shared struggles, as well as a celebration of our resilience and determination to build a better Zimbabwe.
“I applaud you for your current efforts and music compilations which highlight our ongoing national development agenda, vision, policies and programmes.
“Through your efforts along with others in the creative cultural industries, the nation must remain galvanised towards the attainment of our vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income economy,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President handed gifts to the choir and encouraged them to carry the message of love, unity and the need to accelerate development in the country, continue to uplift one another and embrace the values being nurtured by the Second Republic.
“Going forward, I urge you to continue infusing the new crop of musicians, particularly the youth, into your groups,” said President Mnangagwa.
“It is equally important that you broaden the reach of your music, riding on the diversity of ICT platforms.“As I hand over these gifts, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of every one of you.“Your dedication to ZANU PF programmes is commendable and your performances have been a source of joy and entertainment for many,” said President Mnangagwa.
