Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
4 July 2009
Harare — NTONGASI Madzikatire, the widow of the late legendary actor-musician Safirio "Mukadota" Madzikatire says her spouse supported his family through music rather than acting as perceived by millions of his ardent followers.
While acting was Mukadota's first love, Mai Madzikatire says it never earned her spouse material wealth, but rather exposed him.
She was quick to concede that the fame Mukadota garnered in acting helped him sell his music.
The statue of Mukadota, carved by David Karavina, was unveiled on Wednesday at the official opening of the Culture of Zimbabwe Trust headquarters in Harare.
Although Mai Madzikatire was not given the platform to make a few remarks during the occasion, she simply saluted the recognition they bestowed on her late husband.
She said she now hoped his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
"I feel humbled that my husband has been remembered in such a big way. What they did today was great. It means a lot to me, my children and the entire family.
"There is no other way of pleasing the departed than this. My husband is one of the few artistes in Zimbabwe to be granted such an honour. I hope they extend the same love to other legendary artistes out there."
She briefed city.com on how she met her late spouse. "I met him in 1952, some where in Mbare where we lived. We also married the same year and we wed in 1969.
"It was quite an experience meeting him and we just clicked."
She spoke of how she complemented Mukadota's works. "I used to edit some of Mukadota' scripts.
"He would show me his scripts and I would tell him my point of view.
"At times, he would rewrite them, after hearing my views and I am proud that I had such a husband who would listen to me, besides being famous."
She feels their eldest son Elijah Madzikatire, who has been an actor and musician, has not been able to fill his late father's shoes.
"Not exactly. Of course, he is good but he can't fit into his father's shoes. I feel he needs to keep on working hard, as he is doing at the moment."
She also had words of advice to upcoming artists. "It's not rosy in this fraternity. Youngsters need to work hard and be responsible if they wish to realise their dreams."
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