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Arts Correspondent
It is the responsibility of every musician to help the underprivileged in society, veteran musician Leonard Zhakata has said.
Zhakata was the brains behind the tour that saw musicians visiting Chikurubi Female Prison, Chikurubi Farm Prison and Harare Central Prison on Wednesday where they made pledges to support upcoming musicians in custody.

The musicians, among them Suluman Chimbetu, Nicholas Zakaria, Zakaria Zakaria, Machanic Manyeruke, Gift Amuli, Ronnie Mudindo, Progress Chi-pfumo, First Farai, John “Chibhodhoro” Muyambo and Shepherd Chinyani brought smiles on the faces of the inmates when they performed at the institutions.

Zhakata said he was humbled by the willingness shown by the musicians to assist the vulnerable group in society.
“When I first mooted the idea I wondered if other musicians would embrace it to nurture and give moral support to the prisoners. I then approached Nicholas Zakaria, who said it was a brilliant idea. I feel very honoured to have organised such a big event but I also feel humbled by the immense support that I got from other artistes. Some of them were informed at short notice, but they managed to come,” he said.

Zhakata also said he was grateful to the prison officials for giving them the opportunity to visit the prisoners.
“There is a lot of talent in the prisons and as established musicians we must help them. But we could not have succeeded in helping them without the assistance of the officials. I hope this will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship between musicians and prisoners,” he said.

Zhakata said he mooted the idea of nurturing prisoners after watching a television programme called “Another Chance”.
“My heart went out to the talented prisoners as I watched them going through their paces.

“I realised that I needed to visit the prison since it was the right thing to do. I would like to thank all the musicians for supporting this noble cause,” he said.

The musicians toured the country’s prison facilities to provide both moral and material support to the inmates who have shown interest in music.

Addressing the musicians, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner-General Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi said he was humbled by the gesture shown by the artistes.

“Music has of late proved to be quite a lucrative business where apart from realising some proceeds for one’s self-sustenance it also provides entertainment and educates citizens on socio-economic and moral issues.

“There is a lot of artistic talent behind the prison walls but we are facing challenges in securing musical instruments so that we could possibly nurture this talent. It is our conviction and hope that with your assistance we will categorically manage to give these inmates another chance and another life to live when they rejoin the society,” he said.

Chimbetu offered employment to an inmate, Edmore Machokoto. who stole the show with his fancy footwork.
He also pledged to donate two guitars for inmates.
It was also an emotional moment for Suluman when he visited the cell his father once occupied.