BY TENDAI SAUTA
CHITUNGWIZA Arts Centre treasurer Wonder Nyikadzino Gondo has said he learnt stone carving after an unsuccessful stint in the music industry with the now-defunct Nyamakwe Stars band.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Gondo said he also lost his job after the closure of the road contract on a company he used to work for, a double blow that forced him into sculpting.
He now provides food on the table through fine art figurines of mushroom, fish and pumpkins.
“Pumpkins are traditional food in most parts of Africa and the world at large. They are a common feature on breakfast menus and other meals as either starch or vegetable. Pumpkins are easy to grow, all they need is manure,” he said.
His carvings also include themes centred on happy families of father, mother and child.
“As for the mother and children carving, I wish to have all aspects of life in support of healthy and nourished families,” he said.
Gondo, who dreams of becoming a fish and mushroom farmer, shares this vision through carving of a fish pond with bream diving for prey.
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“Fish is the cheapest source of protein and this carving inspires people to get into fish farming as an income-generating project. This fish pond is for outdoor display so that wild birds can drink from it,” he said.
Gondo still has fond memories of his school days at Nyamuroro Kubatana Secondary School in Gokwe, where after completion of secondary education, his love for music saw him joining the now forgotten Masvingo-based sungura band Nyamakwe Stars.
In this band, which was led by twin brothers Solomon and Simbarashe Gabidai, Gondo took part in the recording of the songs Ndiri Muvaki and Zvakapresser.
As Chitungwiza Arts Centre’s treasurer, Gondo said he wished to create big markets, adding that he wished to build a good relationship with local communities and the corporate world.
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