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Fidelis Cheza (left) on set

Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
The death of legendary actor Fidelis “Mudhara Danger” Cheza last month was like salt on a fresh wound to artistes in the film and television sector who are bemoaning lack of support from arts institutions. Zimbabwe Arts and Culture Industry Association president Boniface Chimedza said it is high time that artistes especially those in the film industry get recognition in various fields.

“It is sad to note that as actors we are not recognised in the country. It seems people including the media don’t appreciate our industry the same way they do to other industries. It seems our media are more interested in musicians than in actors.

“Fidelis Cheza was a well decorated artiste with a long and successful career in the sector. He deserved greater recognition in death and people should have come from all sectors to honour him at his funeral but very few came forward.”

He also added that it was sad to note that artistes were wallowing in poverty and some to the extent of dying while being owed by some film-making organisations.

“That man did all he could in the entertainment industry, people are still talking about him and his works and he left a legacy but unfortunately he died with nothing to show for it while he was owed by some organisations that exploited him.

“It’s high time that the people of Zimbabwe start appreciate artistes especially actors and actresses, we can’t continue like this, we need support and appreciation from our own people while we are still alive and even after we are gone,” he said.

He also highlighted that artistes should be paid in time for their work at competitive rates that are at par with regional rates, which would in turn allow them to feed and clothe their families, take their children to school and provide for their beneficiaries adequately.

Formed in 2013, ZACIA is an arts and culture association whose primary objective is to protect and promote the Zimbabwean artistes, “from all artistic genres, through securing their future and welfare, by taking definite, positive and measurable steps towards fully establishing their artistic careers”.