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Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Senior Arts Reporter
THE side projects that gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave has been doing during the Covid-19 lockdown have earned her an ambassadorial role with a local fertilizer company.

The talented musician and farmer was last week appointed ambassador for Supergrow Foliar Fertilizer where she is set to become not only the face of the brand, but also interact with aspiring and established farmers.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, the “Amai Ndakanaka” hit-maker said artistes, especially females, should not rely solely on being musicians, dancers or actresses, but have other side projects in order to survive.

She said that the arts sector is much affected with the Covid-19 pandemic, as they used to rely much on gate-takings and live performances with crowds.

Although some have embraced the new norm of virtual performances, these have not been quite helpful considering the expenses involved in hosting them.

“So, the director of a local company, F&G Holdings, Mr Pilime, approached me and said he has been following my latest project as a farmer and discovered that I was a serious and had commanded a strong following as an artiste,” said Fungisai.

“He was, therefore, convinced that it would go a long way if someone in my position could encourage the Zimbabwean population to partake in agriculture since it is the backbone of our economy. Under the lockdown and Covid-19 setbacks, agricultural production has proven to be the ideal source of income for everyone, be it on a small or large scale.”

Fungisai said despite agriculture being underrated by some people, it was a way of survival.

She said F&G intended not only to push the brand, but also create awareness about being a farmer and how best to become one.

“My versatility and hard work have given me the resilient personality as a role model for the young and old,.

“Moreover, my passion and qualification in marketing management and social sciences makes me an asset for the organization.”

Asked if she was in studio making music, Fungisai said for now she was busy concentrating on her projects, but promised to give something to her fans before the year end.