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Jeys Marabini

Arts Correspondent
Bulawayo-based musician, Majahawodwa Ndlovu, popularly known as Jeys Marabini, has recorded a powerful song that has the potential to get every Zimbabwe re-think on their perception of libraries and the level of support given to rural library development in the country.

Titled “Yekela Bafunde”, the song is one of several tracks by local and international artistes to feature on a collaborative musical album lobbying authorities across the world to invest in libraries and encouraging people to read and to make use of existing library facilities.

The album, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, is also aimed at raising funds for the construction and development of rural school libraries in Zimbabwe schools as well as raising awareness on the shortage of libraries and books in the country.

The album will feature artistes from different parts of the world including England, New Zealand, Canada and Zimbabwe.

Some of the local artistes involved in the project are Pastor Charles Charamba, Sandra Ndebele, Leonard Zhakata, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Kazz, Jesse O’brien, Oliver Mtukudzi and Denzel Mombeyarara whose debut song “Remember Your Roots” is likely to surprise many.

Commenting on his contribution to an issue that is close at his heart, Marabini reflected on his experiences when he was going to school in rural Matabeleland South.

“I know what it is to walk long distances to school bare-footed. After school I would go to herd cattle and goats and had to study at night using paraffin light or a candle to do my homework. So this programme by the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust will help lot of children in rural areas to get access to books and to study because most do not have the privilege to access such resources,” said Marabini.

Through his song, Marabini encourages parents to take the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust’s initiative seriously and give children the chance to read to enable them prosper in future.

“I emphasise the need for children to read and learn because that helps shape their future.

“When they become educated they will help society as we will have teachers, doctors, musicians, nurses, professors and other professionals who can bring positive change.”

The musician reiterates the importance of uplifting the girl child who receives lesser priority than the boy child in some families.

“A lot of children in rural areas are disadvantaged especial the girl child,” says Marabini, who feels happy about his involvement in the Trust’s project.

“The moment the Trust approached me to participate in this project; I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and readily accepted.

“My involvement in this project has given me a new thinking about libraries and I will play my part to ensure the dream to bring libraries to rural schools is achieved.

“The Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust has brought good news to the country and let us embrace this programme as parents and support it.

“Unity of purpose is vital in this noble cause. At school we used to share textbook in tens so this programme will go a long way to solve such situations as a lot of parents do not have enough money to buy books for their children”, said the musician, whose latest album “Thula Sana” is doing well on the local market.

“Yekela Bafunde” is a fusion of the traditional and jazz beat which is appealing, soul touching and convincing. The melody, clarity and power of voice Marabini employs in the song is rare and sends a message of hope.

The trust is appealing to well-wishers and persons or organisations to assist to ensure the project sails through.

“We are slowly fundraising, through various ways, including sausage sizzles in New Zealand, but more financial support would hasten the release of the album.

“The situation whereby children have no access to information should not be allowed to continue any longer, hence the urgency,” said project manager Driden Kunaka, who is based in New Zealand