Vienna (OTS) – Two years ago, on April 24, 2022, the singer, exceptional person and artist Willi Resetarits had an accident. In his memory, the Willi Resetarits Prize, donated by the City of Vienna, was awarded for the first time at this year’s Refugee Ball in Vienna City Hall. This award, worth €10,000, is given to musicians who, in their artistic life and work, are committed to integration and togetherness in the city of Vienna. A jury made up of artists and civil society activists from Willi Resetarits’ environment, led by the Integrationshaus, determined the first prize winner: the singer Vusa Mkhaya.
„On the one hand, Willi Resetarits has shaped generations through his admirable musical spectrum, and on the other hand also through his commitment and attitude, which was always inspired by humanity and solidarity. With the Willi Resetarits Prize, which was awarded for the first time this year, the City of Vienna is honoring musicians who carry on exactly this message not only in their artistic work, but also in their civic engagement
“, said Vienna City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler. “I am very pleased that when awarding the prize for the first time, the jury chose Vusa Mkhaya, an artist who embodies exactly this power of cohesion and was also closely connected to ‘our’ Willi
“, says City Councilor for Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler in recognition of the award winner.
“It was a very quick and clear decision, even though it was clear to all of us that Willi Resetarits can never be replaced and that he is incredibly missing as a voice of humanity
“, says project manager Nikolaus Heinelt from Integrationshaus. “May this award stand for the fact that Willis’ human and artistic work can be continued and developed at the highest level
“, adds Gerald Votava, actor, musician and jury member.
Vusa Mkhaya comes from Bulawayo/Zimbabwe and is a musician, composer, choreographer and presenter. He lives in Vienna, studied at the Music Conservatory in Graz and is the singer of the a capella trio “Insingizi”, founded in Zimbabwe, with which he came to Austria in the mid-90s. As part of the group “MoZuluArt”, he and Roland Guggenbichler combine traditional Zulu sounds with classical music. He was awarded the Zimbabwe Archivers Award in 2019 for his contributions to spreading Zimbabwean music and culture.
“Ubuntu” is the philosophy of being there for one another, listening and being helpful, which is omnipresent in southern Africa despite all the problems and shapes the life and musical work of Vusa Mkhaya. “Let’s let the music speak for itself and don’t talk about music; There is no reason to describe them,” is his musical motto. Vusa Mkhaya describes himself as a “cultural activist”. “The coming together of cultures from Zimbabwe and Austria, as both countries are parts of me, is a fact that I do not deny but embody. Music is and has always been a unifying factor around the world, bringing together people of different origins, races, ethnicities and of course traditions. Through music, people get to know and understand other cultures and develop a desire to fit into this culture. There is more to it than just the words sung, because the dances and expressions used also convey a lot about our culture.
“
Like Willi Resetarits, Vusa Mkhaya lives his roots – here Stinatz, there Zimbabwe – but always looks for musical expansion and something that connects. Not just musically, but also in the idea of a peacefully connected, equal society. He has worked with a variety of different artists: Erika Pluhar, Markus Schimmer, Brunner & Brunner, Hans Theessink, Schiffkowitz (STS), Stella Jones, Wiener Symphoniker, Roland Guggenbichler, the Ambassade String Quartet, Burkhard Frauenlob, Ludwig Hirsch, Wiener Tschuschenkapelle and many others. “His musical range is simply admirable and he also has that in common with Willi
“, said jury member Nuschin Vossoughi, head of the Theater am Spittelberg.
Willi Resetarits had a long-standing friendship with Vusa Mkhaya, which was celebrated above all in their joint performances and the song “Shosholoza” – most recently at the 28th Vienna Refugee Ball 2022. This was Willi Resetarits’ last stage appearance before he died the next day passed away from us in such a tragic way. “I didn’t know this would be his last performance. I could never have imagined winning the first Willi Resetarits Prize on the same stage. I am grateful to everyone who has shared their amazing talents with me over the years. It takes a village to raise a child. This award is for all of us.
“
Vusa Mkhaya was and is an important musical companion of the Integrationshaus, probably even the artist who appeared most often in various formations at the refugee ball and at both “be a mensch” galas. Most recently he also directed the Integrationshaus choir. “Willi would be happy to be the winner!
“, says Andrea Eraslan-Weninger, jury member and board member of the Integrationshaus.
The jury also included Gerlinde Affenzeller, managing director of SOS-Mitmensch, and the musician Tom Traint. The prize was designed and manufactured by the designer, musician and instrument maker Adam Wehsely-Swiczinsky, who, among other things, accompanied Resetarits on bass at the Refugee Ball. “On the one hand, the award is intended to symbolize the versatility of Resetarits, but on the other hand it is reminiscent of a baton with which the award winner should carry on the commitment and musical expression of the exceptional artist Resetarits,” says Wehsely-Swiczinsky.
Press photos: www.integrationshaus.at/presse
Project Integration House Association
The Integrationshaus is a recognized competence center for the reception and integration of refugees and migrants. Those seeking protection will find accommodation, support, education and advice here. Particular consideration is given to people with increased care needs, such as traumatized people, single parents, the physically and mentally ill and unaccompanied minor refugees. The Integration House helps them to find future prospects and is a practical example of refugee protection, multilingualism, diversity and equal opportunities. Every day, 160 employees and volunteers show how the reception and integration of refugees and the support of migrants work in the best possible way.
Questions & Contact:
Project Integration House Association
Niki Heinelt
public relation
+43 1 212 35 20 66
n.heinelt@integrationshaus.at
www.integrationshaus.at