Medical practitioner Johannes Marisa has a passion for life as well as arts and this is seen through his diverse interests.
By Style Reporter
Marisa, a product of the University of Zimbabwe’s school of medicine, believes the country’s arts sector can only prosper if the artistes are healthy.
He said although medicine was his first love, he has a great passion for arts.
“I was born a philanthropist, hence my decision to study medicine. I have always wanted to assist others regardless of their social status, gender, race or creed,” Marisa said.
However, the medical doctor, who operates surgeries in Harare’s Kuwadzana and Zimre Park suburbs, said he was more touched by the plight of artistes in the country.
“Arts is not a paying job in Zimbabwe and as a result most artistes cannot afford medical bills. There are many artistes who are not well and no longer perform to make a living,” he said.
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“I have extended my help to the wife of the late sungura musician John Chibadura, actress Rhoda Mtembe [Mai Sorobhi], the late Cde Chinx, First Farai and the mother of the late Barura Express frontman Leonard Dembo. I have rendered them medical help free of charge.”
Marisa, who recently bought instruments worth $22 000 for sungura ace Tendai Dembo and Barura Express, said he was also offering free medical help to Dembo and his band members. “I offer free medical help to Barura Express band members and their families. I also pay rentals for the band members,” Marisa said.
Marisa, who two years ago donated a car — a Mercedes-Benz ML — to the same musician, vowed to maintain his association with Barura Express.
“The reason why I support Tendai is that he is disciplined. You cannot compare him with other musicians when it comes to discipline. Sponsors want to be associated with artistes who are disciplined like Tendai,” he said.
“I will keep on supporting him. I will help him achieve his goals, which include keeping his father’s legacy alive. I am in the process of getting a kombi to carry the band members as well as the instruments whenever they go for live performances.”
Tendai and Morgan ventured into music in 2007 having gone through apprenticeship at the hands of sungura ace Alick Macheso. Six years later, the brothers released Kutsika Matsimba before they went their separate ways a year later. In 2014, Tendai launched his first album, Kupakwashe, as a solo artiste, which was followed by his second offering, Mushando, in 2016.
He is in the studio putting final touches to his third project, which will be launched before the end of the year.
