A change in Perspective Towards Music and Arts in Zimbabwe

Gone are the days when music and the arts in general were observed by the society as of less value. The success stories of several Zimbabwean musicians recently have contributed immensely in the way people view the arts.

Unlike in the past, today’s society is now very supportive. The government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Education has been taking a leading role in supporting the arts. Most schools now offer Music and dance subjects. Some of the schools that have been making advances in the area of Music are Christ Ministries, Prince Edward and Watershed. There is a general realization in the society that music now plays a pivotal role in emancipating people from poverty. The likes of Alec Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Winky D are good examples of musicians who made a fortune from music. Parents now prefer to send their children to schools which offer music and other practical subjects.

Besides the role that music plays in uplifting people economically, people now view music as an aid to relaxation, as a tool to overcome emotions and also it has become a tool to enhance our self presentation as a country. Many countries out there view Zimbabwe’s values and ideologies through the music they listen to. Music by Thomas Mapfumo, Mokoomba and the late Oliver Mutukudzi has been making waves internationally and this has come with economic and social benefits to the musicians and the country as a whole. In the past music was used as a solace to the bereaved, as a lullaby to the child, in fact music was available in all the social contexts of the Zimbabwean society. Today music is now being viewed more as an economic tool. Musicians are now getting the respect and value they deserve unlike in the past.