FASHION stylist Everton Mhute says artistes have the power to influence change.
“As we move towards the elections, artistes and content creators have a uniquely powerful role to play in this process. Our industry has an unprecedented platform and reach,” Mhute, who is also the chief executive officer of Family Man Event and Gifting company, told NewsDay Life & Style.
“Each artiste and creator controls their own media channel, boasts a devoted audience and possesses the rare ability to communicate with people where they are.
“Most artistes social feed is a news source with the ability to inform, educate and influence. This means that our arts industry has great influence on how our nation can become. So, we have to take this opportunity to influence change and how we want our tomorrow Zimbabwe to be.”
Through his Family Man Event and Gifting company which specialises in gifting services, event management and image consultancy and styling, Mhute has worked with a number of artistes, among them hip-hop sensation Takura in outfit designing and dressing.
Speaking during last week’s Heroes and Defence Forces holiday, Mhute said it was fundamental for the citizens of Zimbabwe to reflect and see the value of the commemorations.
“The special day, dedicated to heroes and heroines who showed their obligation to the freedom of Zimbabwe and the individuals who keep on devoting their work towards building a superior Zimbabwe even after freedom is symbolic of a battle and what it takes to build a better Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The battle is a steadily going on with insurgency that did not end with the attachment of independence in 1980. As a nation, we need to look back and remember the virtues and values of what became the liberation struggle.
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“Similarly, it applies to our arts industry, we ought to regard the people who fought for Zimbabwe and keep them in mind in anything we do. They battled for equal access to opportunities and law of order.”
He said the heroes instilled a sense of patriotism within themselves towards building a better Zimbabwe.
“The celebration of Heroes Day is about honouring citizens who could not sit back, relax and submit themselves to the chains of oppression, but who were brave enough to take what belongs to them and utilise it for the betterment of everyone.
“It should come as a constant reminder to those who enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice that when obligation calls, they should also rise to the occassion and take a firm stand for a superior Zimbabwe. The national shrine is a pictogram of the pride we have of our heroes at the shrine and those dotted across the region,” he added.
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