Deputy minister of youths, sports and arts Tinoda Machakaire has backtracked from his earlier remarks where he appeared to attack man of the moment Winky D over his lyrics on his new album Eureka Eureka saying a 263Chat video that widely circulated was not shared in its entirety.
In the trending video, Machakaire urged Winky D to approach the government with his grievances instead of using his music, remarks that attracted widespread backlash on him.
Feeling the heat, Machakaire has since issued a statement encouraging citizens to respect musicians’ opinions which he said should be expressed within the limits of the constitution.
“I have seen with growing concern the video circulating on social media. It is quite unfortunate that the video wasn’t shared in its entirety. However, all I am saying is let us not fight artists (Winky D)
“Let us respect their art and respect their opinions so long it’s within their constitutional rights. President ED Mnangagwa is saying no to violence, yes to peace. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo and tisu vene vayo,” said Machakaire.
He further took note of the fact that many young people are unemployed which he said could be the bone of contention with most youths in the country but said the government doors are open to listen to the grievances.
“If he, or any other artist or youth out there has any challenges or grievances they need addressed our doors are always open to listen to them. I know most young people are unemployed and this is a bone of contention with most of our youth. In Harare alone for example roads in most of our residential locations have deteriorated, City of Harare is failing to provide clean and safe water, traffic lights are not working, stadiums are down, failure to develop working spaces eg Coca Cola. We have identified the problems and we need solutions to these problems which is why I am saying, come let us talk.
“I know we have a lot of brilliant minds in our nation and if we put our heads together we can come up with creative and innovative solutions to our problems. The moment we start fighting each other, it distracts from our purpose and instead of moving forward, we are stuck fighting each other where we could expend that energy and creativity into solving our grievances. That is all I am saying,” said Machakaire.
