Intangible cultural heritage under threat

BY ARTS REPORTER

A talented traditional instrumentalist is concerned by how Intangible Cultural Heritage is slow sinking into oblivion following the young generation’s failure to appreciate the knowledge.

Mr Phillip Dube Mhlanga of Chipinge took his time to demonstrate how to play two traditional instruments to upcoming artistes under Peace Arts International in December 2019.

The seasoned folk performer used his traditional instruments to play modern sungura songs by popular sungura artistes like Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo.

“I don’t know my age and I also don’t know how many years I have been playing these two traditional instruments. I grew up an orphan,” said Mr Mhlanga.

Asked if he could teach the youth his skills, Mr Mhlanga agreed but was quick to indicate that the proposed beneficiaries don’t care about the trade.

“The young people mock me when they see me playing music from these old instruments but I happy I am getting a living out of it than other people who wait to steal in order to live,” said Mr Mhlanga.

Afro-fusion, Gerald “Dr Chivhuno” Mucheto admitted that although the intangible cultural knowledge demonstrated by Mr Mhlanga is dying slowing, it is worth undertaking.

“I have been convinced that I have to incorporate traditional instrument in my music. The door has been opened by the government that is giving us 75 percent local content in the mass media,” said Dr Chivhuno.

ZimDancehall songstress, Precious “Rocky Pee” Mhlanga commented that traditional instruments can make music rich.

“I have been uplifted by what Mr Mhlanga is doing. I just wish I could do it myself. I urge the young generation to adopt it and not shun our culture,” said Rocky Pee.

Another artiste who benefitted from Mr Mhlanga’s showcasing of talents was Nyaradzo “Mitchelle M” Muvengwa, a dancer in her own right.

“As a young women I encourage out-of-school youth to do arts since I am earning a living out of dancing. The young people should move away from the communal belief that arts are for the uneducated,” said Michie M.