THE dictum “like father, like son” — though believed to hold much sway — does not ring true for Emmerson Mnangagwa Junior, son of Zimbabwe’s Vice-President.
BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA
The younger Mnangagwa has taken a completely different path from his siblings who, like their father, have opted for a life in politics.
Emmerson Jnr regards himself as a “free spirit” whose passion is to ensure that young artistes get a chance to showcase their gifts and talents.
Popularly known as DJ St Emmo in the world of showbiz, Emmerson runs an entertainment company called The Movement which outsources DJs, musicians, poets, comedians, caterers, bouncers and photographers.
In an interview with
NewsDay, Emmerson Jnr acknowledged that the situation has been a tough patch for artistes and that inspired him to establish The Movement.
“The local entertainment industry is boxed and people are afraid to take risks, but we do although it is dangerous sometimes because we are trying to put Zimbabwe on the map,” he said.
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“Most promoters nowadays take advantage of upcoming artistes and because of that they are struggling to make it in the arts industry as they are duped of their earnings by event organisers.”
He said he was determined to create events for artistes to perform and gain exposure and money from their talent.
He said his father has no problem with his “different” ambition and even supports him although he says the older Mnangagwa is “not really sure” about his son’s occupation.
“He does not seem to know what I do and when he introduces me to people, he just says I am into music. But he is supportive and he says do your thing and make sure you do it well, I am not going to stop you from reaching for your dream,” said Emmerson Jnr.
He quashed speculation that he might be using his name to succeed in the industry, saying he believes in himself and that has sustained him even in hard times.
“I do not use my name, I let my work speak for itself not my name because I have come too far and have worked hard to get fame to now turn to my name for fame,” he said urging other rising artistes to work hard and have a positive mindset.
Emmerson Jnr released an album titled the Producer’s CD in 2012 and has had a couple of tracks with other local artistes including “Naka” which is playing on local radio stations apart, and he plays at Pariah on Thursdays and Pabloz VIP on Saturdays.
He is set to leave for Johannesburg today for an embassy gig he has been invited to perform at and he said it’s a leap in the right direction as they are working tirelessly to invade foreign markets.
