BY TATENDA KUNAKA
FORMER Orchestra Mberikwazvo rhythm guitarist Lucky Mumiriki has taken a swipe at the country’s arts bodies for extending a helping hand to prominent band leaders only and neglecting other band members in their time of need.
“Little attention is given to band members in cases of hard times or ill-health by the various arts regulatory bodies and even the relevant ministry,” Mumiriki said.
“They rush to help prominent band leaders maybe for publicity reasons, but if the same band leaders have a member facing serious problems they turn a blind eye. It is very unfortunate that we have such leadership in this era. Band members’ contribution to the arts industry is the same as their leader, why put special emphasis on one person,” he poured his heart out.
Mumiriki suffered a mild stroke in 2011 on duty which left his right side paralysed.
“With the fame I have and the publicity of my stroke, I was only helped by one promoter (Chipaz) and received no help from those arts bodies, if I was a band leader, it could have been different,” explained Mumiriki.
The Hurungwe-born guitarist said Orchestra Mberikwazvo frontman Alick Macheso is still helping him.
“We meet regularly with Alick Macheso and other band members. I go to some of the band’s shows, when I am free. He has never stopped to help me, l thank him for that. These days it’s hard to get a person like that, due to the effects of COVID-19,” said Mumiriki.
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He was part of the Orchestra Mberikwazvo entourage that toured the United Kingdom in 2003, during which three band members deserted the band, but he chose to return home with Macheso.
Mumiriki said his wish is to open a studio.
“Music holds a special place in my heart, with the vast experience and knowledge that l have in sungura, I want to establish a studio to help upcoming artistes. It is the least I can do, as a way of giving back to society. I hope one day God will send someone to help me realise my dream,” he added.
Mumiriki was part of the crew that belted out some of Macheso’s top albums like Zvido zvenyu, Vapupuri and Zvinoda kutendwa.
He joined Orchestra Mberikwazvo in 2002 up to 2011 and before that he played for Hurungwe Sounds, Sungura Boys and System Tazvida.
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