Zimpapers Logo

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
SELF proclaimed king of Zim hip hop, Stunner has lashed out at artistes who offer what he calls cheap labour to promoters calling them fools that are destroying the music industry.In a Facebook rant on Stunner Da Des page, supposedly aimed at Zimdancehall artistes, Stunner said one hit wonder artistes approach promoters to give out free performances and wonder why they do not have money to grow their careers at the end of the day.

“Some may wonder why they aren’t seeing Stunner’s name on these so called local international shows. This is what’s happening, Stunner is getting the initial call to come and perform and as a professional he’s charging what he thinks he’s worth.

“Behind the scenes there comes these one or two hit boys and they offer to perform for free or next to nothing. You can’t really blame the promoter kana paita (if there is) cheap labour,” he said.

The Godo hit-maker said such artistes were killing the music industry in the country and that was why it was not growing.

“That’s the reason, muri mboko boys dzangu  (you’re fools my friends) and you’re killing the industry. Why would you sell yourself cheap like that? Respect yourselves and your art my friends,” he said.

“Well my good friends, I hope this works well for you in your music careers but just in case you were wondering why you never get to wear the gold chains, Gucci, Prada, Armani suits or get to go on actual tours,  have a fly girl on your arm, or give away Jordan’s coz you’ve worn them in a music video.”

Thereafter comments from fans started pouring in with most of them agreeing with him but pointing out that he should not call the artistes fools.

Stunner responded and said he was saying so because he was trying to grow the industry.

“Read again and for the record I’ve more than 30 hits dating to 2014.  This isn’t about what you think it’s about raising, awareness. We’re killing the industry, music is a profession, ibasa (it’s a job) Respect it,” he wrote.

A fan Edwin J Katoto summed up sentiments when he wrote: “I’m 100 on that, it’s not all about fame, it’s about knowing your co-objective, don’t perform for peanuts, it isn’t worth it .

“Offering cheap labour for fame kills the industry. “If art is your career or profession, then master it so that you get rich,” he said.