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that stands in the way though is the lack of music developmental platforms that can assist the artistes.
Besides the few music colleges there is virtually nothing that can support our artistic and cultural development.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power musicians need to be exposed to the real stuff that will sustain their efforts.
A lot of times people venture into music with no idea of what it takes to realise success. I always ask people why they sing or why they record music and more often than not you hear them saying that “I have a good voice or I sing in the church choir, or even that I used to sing in the school choir at primary school”.
Surely, can these be reasons for one to pursue music?
Maybe, aspiring singers should enquire from experts so that they make informed decisions which would then be followed up by putting in place the developmental stages that one would need to succeed.
Of course, some have found a formula by trying it out, but only a few have made it big in music.
Parents still have reservations about their children who are musically gifted to take up private tuition seriously as this still doesn’t guarantee success and so music is taken as a pastime hobby and not a priority.
My point is that, growth and development of the arts industry needs commitment and attention as a nation.
I believe the day and time has come for the Government and other stakeholders in Zimbabwe to invest in the development of infrastructure, programmes, and projects that will assist in the development of the arts especially music.
How do we expect growth and great contribution of music to the gross domestic product when there are no supporting structures to empower the players?
While at that, I must also commend the hard work that these gifted artistes continue to put in their work, in their backyards, with no expert advice and guidance.
If we had platforms where our artistes can go and be groomed and polished it would change the lack of appreciation that we usually display as we watch them perform.
David “DS” Semwayo, a seasoned producer whose experience in performing and working with artistes spans close to 15 years in the industry, also cited the need for music production schools forums and research institutes to be established so as to beef up the effort that is currently being applied by many producers.
Once again just a look at the quality of our music products you can see and hear there is no direction.
Due to lack of proper guidance a lot of cheap stuff is sailing through and filling the streets.
Take time and listen to what most of the up- and-coming singers are singing about.
A display of weak songwriting skills, singing techniques can be heard loud and clear, mixing and mastering challenges and, of course, the personal presentation of the artistes in public, on television and at concerts.
As a matter of urgency and priority we need training centres to be established, vocal schools, performance and music business, where individuals can go and get the assistance they need in line with the music industry.
There is need for us to shift our mindset from looking at art as a thing of lesser value to life and to something that has power to sustain us during our ups and downs and to promote our cultural values.
Art is an expression of who we are, a window into our lives and so it must be accorded the right respect.
The 100 percent local content drive by the Ministry of Information a few years back has exposed a lot of talent in our nation that we never ever dreamt of seeing and lots more can be done.
The arts and culture industry is a very lucrative industry which is not just about playing guitars or to be associated with untidyness and dreadlocks but we need to realise that we derive national strength through it and so we have to handle it in the manner it deserves.
As I bring this one to a close a message of condolence from myself, “Wherisat Records” and music lovers goes to the Maswisi family on the loss of our dear friend, veteran in the music industry, great writer, artist, deejay . . . Soosh Matrix. We will sadly miss him.
He came in with hit singles “H-town Girl With a Group Mosyahll”, “Deff Them” and he was a part of the Movip Ent Family.
He did collaborations with DS, Dycee, Yemurai, Excel and lots more and proudly represented in Zambia.
Rest In Peace Tendai Maswiswi.
Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following numbers 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]