The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare
VETERAN arts practitioner Timothy “Timmy” Tapfumaneyi reckons local artistes should be professional in their approach for them to realise meaningful financial benefits from their work.
Timmy believes the creative sector is a low-hanging fruit with potential to contribute much to the country’s economy.
“We are now living in the digital world and if you analyse how developed countries treat this sector, you will realise that we are lagging behind. The arts sector has produced millionaires/billionaires around the world,” he said.
The former ZBC library and archives services manager said it was disheartening to note that corporates are making huge profits from creatives while the latter are suffering.
“It is high time we claim our actual position. We must be regarded as partners in whatever deal we engage in. The moment we become professional and understand our value, the better our fortunes will become. Artistes must have a steady income, have a good lifestyle — driving posh cars and living in low-density areas,” said Timmy.
The veteran artiste intends to use his current position, as the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce arts and entertainment subcommittee chairperson, to lobby for the recognition of the sector as one of the major contributors to the mainstream economy.
“We want to devise mechanisms to incorporate the arts sector into the mainstream economy by developing and enhancing a strong and recognisable business profile. Issues pertaining to the creative sector should be addressed at the policy level,” said the artiste.
Local artistes, he added, are battling the drug abuse scourge largely because of neglect.
“This narrative can only be redressed if we start by setting up an incubation hub that identifies talent at a tender age. We also need to identify credible managers for artistes and link them with their international counterparts so that they become reputable global brands.”
He said well-groomed artistes have the potential to grow, adding that God-given talent should be complemented by studies.
Timmy is a holder of a Master’s in Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies degree.
“I urge parents to let their children express themselves so that they can help them grow and realise their full potential, in line with their talents.”
He has been in the arts industry for three decades, with his journey beginning in 1993, when he featured as a supporting actor in Thompson Kumbirai Tsodzo’s television drama series “Ndezvemeso”.
He then made cameo appearances in the drama series “Gringo” and an international production called “Thinking About Africa”.
As his brand grew, he linked up with the late comedian and guitarist Lawrence “Bonzo” Simbarashe for the “Timmy naBonzo” series.
Other productions he featured in include “Chatsva”, in which he doubled as an actor and producer; “The Return of Timmy naBonzo” and the recent release “Timmy neChikwata”.
“I have seen and experienced different things, but I told myself that I needed to play my part to fix the sector for the benefit of the current and future generations. If I was in a developed country, I might have been a billionaire considering my experience and the projects I took part in,” said Timmy, who is a comedian, actor, producer, script writer and casting director.
He is the owner of Rocket Media Corporation, which he established in 2017.
The veteran artiste, who is also an acclaimed master of ceremonies, revealed that he has several productions that are due for release, among them “Friendship”, “Matare”, “Hupenyu” and “Girl Child”.
