Gospel musician Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave has hit back at critics calling for her to pass on the baton to younger musicians, saying age should not be used to push women out of the music industry.
For a few weeks now, Fungisai has been making headlines on social media after reigniting the debate over artistic ownership and clashing with producer Mono Mukundu over her musical catalogue.
Fungisai, who is in her 40s, questioned why she should be considered too old to perform when Congolese Soukous star Yondo Sister, who is 68, was praised for her performance at the Ecobank Legends Night.
“Ah! MaZimba, mukai tipedzerane. Ndatoshaya hope… so ini ndini chembere inofanira kupa vana torch yangu in my 40s but Yondo imhandara ine 68?
“Moudzanaudzana ikoko kuti ndati mune imwe isiri kusvitsa moto kune dzimwe,” she said.
Fungisai said she was using the issue to highlight what she described as ageism against women.
“Take light moments from your favourite artist. The social worker in me has simply seized the opportunity to create awareness on real issues affecting our society.
“Ageism is a form of abuse usually directed at women across the board, and it cripples their development. As a society, we may need to reflect on it and de-campaign it for our girls’ sake. Zvevana zvakatopera and I am not bothered,” she said.
