HomeOld_PostsArtistes and camouflage: What are the consequences?

Artistes and camouflage: What are the consequences?

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FOR an artiste, the most important thing in his or her line of work is to choose a style, brand name or clothing that distinguishes him or her from the rest.
Currently camouflage, which is mainly associated with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), is fast becoming fashionable for most Zimbabweans, especially local musicians.
According to the ZNA, army uniform means, “any article or articles of wearing apparel and includes a badge, button, braid or insiginia worn in association with any particular item or items of clothing and a tie.”
In an interview with Patriot Arts, the director of army public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore said the wearing of any army uniform or decoration for the purposes of any bonafide stage, film or television production or military representation is covered in terms of Section 99 (2) (c) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02).
“Artistes should have sought authority from army headquarters to do so and apart from provision, the same section also prohibits any member of the public from putting on military regalia,” he said.
Hailing from Uzumba, Mukudzei Mukombe better known as Jah Prayzah is the ZNA ambassador and in that capacity, it is not surprising when he performs in camouflage.
The talented artiste is one musician who began his career with his unique dressing and the ‘sacred’ army uniform has become his brand clothing on stage.
However, many people did not only fall in love with his singing, but with his dressing too.
Jah Prayzah once revealed in a local paper that he had sought permission from the ZNA to wear the regalia, but the question is how many people seek permission before donning their camouflage and attending Jah Prayzah’s shows?
Did the ZNA also give permission to the increasing number of musicians who are now wearing camouflage?
After releasing his popular track ‘Love Yemusoja’, Sniper Storm shifted from dressing like a mine worker to an ‘army general’.
Dickson ‘Cde Chinx’ Chingaira who is popular among revellers with his beret which became part of him during performances and his day-to-day life, recently modified his performance act by putting on an army uniform.
Not to be outdone is rising Sungura artiste Sulumani ‘Captain’ Chimbetu who was spotted performing at the Chibuku Harare Provincial Finals wearing an army camouflaged jacket.
Responding to Patriot Arts, Sulu’s manager, Joe Nyamungoma said that there was nothing wrong with it.
“The jacket does not mean anything,” he said.
“As an ex-army man, Sulu just picked it among his various jackets.
“In fact, he has about four to five jackets of the same type.”
Dancehall artistes such as Freeman and high-riding Soul Jah Love of the ‘Handichabatika’ fame are other musicians who sometimes wear camouflage during their performances.
The question is, are these artistes aware of the consequences of not seeking permission from the army?
Lieutenant Col Makotore said those wearing camouflage without seeking authority from the army were breaking the law.
“Section 99 (2) (c) of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02) provides that any person who without authority wears or uses any decoration supplied to or authorised for use by any member of the defence forces or other military forces or any decoration so nearly resembling such decoration as to be likely to deceive shall be guilty of an offence,” he said.
It is important to note that last year in South Africa, a Kwaito artiste, Mkhozeni Langa also known as ‘Professor’ landed in hot soup after wearing a Metro Police uniform at an awards ceremony.
The musician received wild cheers as he collected his awards, but afterwards, he was charged for violating the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act through impersonating a police officer, possession of a police uniform and wearing that uniform.
It is therefore important for local artistes in Zimbabwe and the general public to fully understand the rules governing the wearing of the camouflage or army uniform without permission.
They must not forget that ignorance has no defence.

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