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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent—
The arts governing board in the country, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), has warned musicians about entering into ambassadorial deals without proper confirmation and paper work. The warning comes after celebrated musician Nicholas Zakaria last week cried foul over the failure by the Chitungwiza Town Council to fulfil promises they made to him following his appointment by the local authority as its cultural ambassador.

Director of NACZ Elvas Mari said it was important for artists to consult before getting into unclear deals. “We urge artists to be professional. We have the NACZ that is open for artists. They should come and make us witnesses when entering into these deals,” he said.

“Zakaria approached us but we were clear that we would not assist him because there was no evidence that he was conferred with the cultural ambassadorial role by Chitungwiza Town Council,” he said.

He said it was important for artists to avoid verbal agreements as they risked getting into deals that were not above the board. “For Zakaria, he had newspaper articles that were not enough to support his case. We needed something tangible from the musician so that we could further his case,” he said.

Zakaria is not the only musician who has been duped after being appointed as the cultural ambassadors. Suluman Chimbetu had a heated argument with Zimbabwe National Roads Administration after they failed to honour their promises.

It was later revealed that there was no paper work to confirm the deal.