By Takunda Chimwaka

First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa took an initiative to promote the music and arts industry which has been neglected for a long time, Harare Post reports.

Speaking during the Music and Arts conference held in Bulawayo today, under the theme ‘Leveraging Arts, Culture and Heritage for Enhanced Productivity, Economic Growth and Job Creation’, Amai Mnangagwa highlighted that the music and arts industry has been relegated and neglected for a long time.

“The role played by the music and arts industry should not be undermined. In USA, the industry contributes about 17% of the country’s GDP. It has the potential of promoting talents and creating jobs for our youths,” said Amai Mnangagwa.

She further expressed that she was motivated to take the initiative following her visit to the popular local actor, Lazarus Boora popularly known as ‘Gringo’ last month.

“I considered all his plight, that such a talented person could not be supported and promoted to such an extent that he could not meet his hospital bills. That’s when l realised that our local artists need to be supported and promoted. It is going to be one of the initiatives again in attaining vision 2030,” she said.

Local artists who were present at the conference expressed to Amai Mnangagwa that they were facing financial challenges to promote and market their content. They also appealed to Government to formulate policies which support them.