admin
Brenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
Television producer and former musician Alex Goho has hailed the Government’s 75 percent local content policy and urged the corporate world to support the initiative through funding artistes. His remarks follows Government’s announcement that it would enforce the 75 percent local content policy to promote local artistes because music had the potential to create employment.
In an interview, Goho said the corporate sector should come on board and support the artistes so that they may fully harness the opportunity awarded to them.
“The 75 percent local content is a brilliant idea for artistes, but most of them lack resources, which in turn compromises quality of their work. Stakeholders in business should assist in uplifting these artistes as it benefits all parties in the long run,” he said.
Goho highlighted some of the benefits of investing in artistes. He said once fully established, artistes can contribute in corporate branding and marketing of local products and services beyond the country’s borders.
“At present, Oliver Mtukudzi might be the only local making a huge impact worldwide but he is not the only one making good music in this country. Many other artistes are equally good but simply lack exposure and resources to go as far,” he said.
He said movie stars in countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Hollywood were popular worldwide because they had successfully marketed their countries as a result of their vibrant industries.
Their music and film industries are now in a position to influence the world in many ways because of the corporates who believed and supported them from the grassroots levels.
Goho said there was need for Zimbabweans to change their mindsets and accord the same acknowledgment they give to international celebrities to their own.
“The current situation in the entertainment industry is sad and this is being reflected through the treatment locals artistes are given when foreigners are performing here. They are paid far less while the foreigners are given royal treatment,” he said.
He gave examples of festivals like the Harare International Festival of the Arts, where local companies make donations to. In the end, it is the international artistes that are given first preference to perform on the international stage.
Online Reporter