The music industry in Zimbabwe and the way forward

 

In Zimbabwe we have a lot of talented youths with the potential of reaching the international audience. Unfortunately the only audience they are reaching is limited to their friends at school, home or facebook friends. Some have been recording for over five years but with no substantial progress. Most of these youths end up quitting the music industry altogether. The few who manage to make it to the limelight become ‘one hit wonders’. Their careers bloom for a few years, every promoter in the country racing to get their signatures for shows. Mismanagement coupled with misdirection leads to short careers for these artists who quickly fades away from the limelight and are deserted by the promoters who once swamped them like bees just to get their signatures.

One may be quick to blame music piracy for the problems afflicting our music industry but a look at the bigger picture shows that it is not the problem but just a part of it. Firstly most artists in Zimbabwe are not being original, instead of being original they want to become like someone else. We have local hip hop artists trying to sing like Eminem or Lil Wayne and at the same time expecting to be nominated for a Grammy or BET award in the same category with Eminem or Lil Wayne!

Artists need realise the significance of having managers who are qualified and able to negotiate contracts on their behalf and communicate with the press. However most artists think they can do everything by themselves, from recording to management.