Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
KABZA De Small in Harare, Kabza De Small in Bulawayo, DJ Maphorisa, Prince Kaybee and Toss in Harare — all of this within just one week.
Then add Scott Maphuma, Nasty C, Kelvin Momo and Thakzin into the mix. It appears we have become the El Dorado of the finest Amapiano stars.
The dominance of South African artists on the Zimbabwean music scene is not questionable.
The same, though, cannot be said about local artists invading South Africa or the United Kingdom.
Music promoter Siyabonga Patrice, who has done shows in Zimbabwe and South Africa, said:
“DStv puts South Africa music at an advantage because most people in Africa watch Channel O, Trace and MTV, whose playlists are dominated by Mzansi music.
“It would have been a different story if Zim had the same platforms that would be watched by people outside.
“I think the issue is the lack of platforms to transport Zimbabwean sound to many countries as there are many great local artists.
“It is hard for someone in another country to know about an artist whom they do not see on television or hear on radio.” Artist manager, music festival coordinator and technology expert, Walter Wanyanya, believes the Amapiano artists are benefitting from developing a unique sound rooted in a unique South African beat. He said that storytelling by artists, sharing their struggles, dreams and the message behind their music, helps connect with international fans.
“Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Twitter are essential for artists to build their brand and engage with fans. Creating challenges, posting behind-the-scenes content and sharing snippets of music can help artists go viral and build a global following’
“Platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore and CD Baby can help artists get their music on popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon.
“Networking globally is also essential. Artists should join global music communities, attend webinars or virtual music conferences and engage with music forums and groups.
“When collaborating with visiting artists, it is essential to see it as an opportunity to build relationships and network, rather than competition.”
Veteran music promoter, Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, said:
“They (local artists) end up overcharging in most cases, forgetting that promoters are business people, not sponsors. What we inject should come back with a profit. So, if one is overcharged, we are forced to think outside the box and hire foreign artists instead.”
Another veteran music producer, Clive Mono Mukundu, said:
“Looking back in time, all Zimbabwean artists who made it on the international stage had a distinct Zimbabwean sound, the same is true for Nigerian artists who are currently making it on the international stage, they sound Nigerian and South Africans sound South African.
“However, there are Zimbabweans who believe that by sounding like Jamaicans or Nigerians, they can gain international recognition. The world is not looking for another Zimbabwean Beyoncé or Burna Boy.”
