The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
CELEBRITIES are known for owning mansions and driving lavish cars. However, the same cannot be said about local artistes who use public transport, rent houses in high density areas, and are broke.
The co-founder of the world renowned Black Umfolosi, Sotsha Moyo said local artistes have captured fame because there are naturally gifted, but there are not financially stable.
“People love our music and support us on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, but they fail to attend live shows which are the main source of income for many Zimbabwean artistes. Devastating low turnout of fans at various music concerts has left local artistes struggling to benefit from their work,” he said.
Moyo said the ever expanding modern technology had facilitated piracy which crippled the success of artistes financially.
“Many talented artistes have seized composing songs because they have failed to profit from it. The burning of CDs has become very easy as a result of advanced technology, and it has completely squashed the success of local artistes,” he said.
Moyo slammed corrupt police officers who have allegedly allowed the illegal vending of pirate CDs.
“Stopping piracy is the same as climbing Mount Everest; it’s possible but a very humongous task that requires fortified law enforcement. It’s a pity that other police officers have betrayed their working ethics by being involved in the selling of burned disks,” he said.
Despite the majority of musicians struggling financially, there are a few artistes who are booming with success mostly from Harare namely Jah Prayzah, Bigman, Amara Brown and Tocky Vibes.
Moyo said they are successful because Harare is more supportive when it comes to supporting local content.
“It`s not like Plumtree and Bulawayo have no talent. We have Sikhobokhobo, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Sandra Ndebele and Cal_Vin who rock the stage when they perform. People need to show support by filling up the different venues in which local artistes perform so there can be recognised globally, and gain respect from other international artistes,” he said.
Moyo said the closing of some of the most prestigious recording companies in Zimbabwe proved that the music industry was not extensively supported.
“Recording studios like Gramma Records, RTP, Moonlight and ZMC have closed due to lack of business in the music industry,” he said.
The legendary Black Umfolosi is one of the successful imbube groups in the country, and Moyo said it was through hard work and perseverance.
“Artistes need to be aware that the music industry has its ups and down. They should be ready to manage tight schedules as there are moments where they will be required to perform in different events per day. They need to be aware that the major thing is to please every fan, who will be responsible for their stardom,” he said.
Moyo said they were looking forward to Luswingo Festival.
“Luswingo is a festival which celebrates Kalanga culture in which groups as far as Botswana, Beitbridge, Hwange and Matopo will be invited,” he added. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
