World renowned and Zimbabwean sculptor and businessman Bryn Taurai Mteki, affectionately known as Sekurutau, has emerged as a more deserving beneficiary of businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo's generosity than veteran Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo.
According to social media users, Mteki's contribution to promoting Zimbabwe's cultural heritage on the international stage places him in a stronger position to receive the US$1,5 million that Chivayo recently pledged to Mapfumo.
Sir Wicknell recently announced that he would give Mapfumo US$1,5 million if the veteran musician returns to Zimbabwe and performs either at musician Jah Prayzah's wedding or at a private celebration hosted by Chivayo.
The pledge has sparked debate on social media, with some questioning whether the offer should instead go to cultural ambassadors who have consistently promoted Zimbabwe.
"Mteki has done more than enough to deserve such recognition," one Facebook user posted.
"He has spent years putting Zimbabwe on the global map through sculpture, exhibitions and cultural performances in the United States. Wherever he has gone, he has proudly showcased Zimbabwean culture and heritage."
The user added that Mteki's achievements extend beyond the arts, noting that he has also built a successful business empire under the BrynBrands banner.
"He is not only a celebrated sculptor, but also a successful entrepreneur. Through his work, he has become one of Zimbabwe's finest cultural ambassadors. If anyone deserves such benevolence, it is someone like Mteki, who has consistently projected a positive image of Zimbabwe internationally."
Another Facebook user argued that while Mapfumo has remained one of Zimbabwe's greatest musical icons, his relationship with the country has often been characterised by criticism from his base in the United States.
"At a time when some personalities were publicly denouncing Zimbabwe, Mteki was busy promoting the country's culture through art, exhibitions and music. Recognition should also go to those who have quietly carried the national flag with pride," the user posted..
Standard Style also established that there are close family ties between Mteki and Chivayo.
Mteki is an uncle to Tendai Chirombe, who recently married Glendour, sister to Sir Wicknell, a development the artist acknowledged in a Facebook post.
Mteki also featured on the hit propaganda song "Nora", a massively popular duet recorded with the late Zanu PF national political commissar Elliot Manyika at the turn of the millennium.
The song became a staple on local television and radio, heavily associated with the ruling party and the land reform programme.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Mteki were unsuccessful by the time of publication.