Being versatile like Iyasa

Nkosilathi Sibanda  Urban Beats
I have never felt this good in a long time, thanks to Iyasa.
After receiving lashes for being too predictable, Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts has finally struck the right chord. The globe-trotting troupe is undeniably versatile and gifted.

This is no PR spin. I have a grand reason to sing well about Nkululeko Dube’s boys and girls. Just read my story. I had a great night last Wednesday, courtesy of Iyasa. I could not resist putting on my dancing shoes. They had long gathered dust by the way. Lapha kwami kuyahlaba/ lapha kwami kuyadikiza/ bambi qolo/ mntane s’kolo/.

If your memory serves you well, you will recall these words from a very popular song. This is the song that made me dance over these  past  few days. During our schooling days, as early as kindergarten, we sang these lines. I used to dislike the song but, with Iyasa’s remake, I was enlightened. Iyasa first did it with Banolila and we loved that. Nostalgia shook me hard. I was taken back to my days at primary school. Old men in their straw hats joined the crowd on the dance floor.

So, what does this mean? It shows the universal impact of Iyasa’s works. How many musicians can entertain both young and old music lovers? There are some crude critics who say Iyasa should stick to dancing. These are the kinds of people resisting change. What Iyasa does is taking advantage of their many talents as artistes. Artistes worth their salt know how to make money and would therefore not limit themselves to one genre. If one can sing and dance it means they have an advantage over other artistes. There are some actors who, apart from staging plays, also sing and dance.

Hollywood is a case in point. There are as many music stars who can read Tyler Perry script and pull out a good movie performance.
Iyasa long proved they are not just a dancing group. I have come to understand they are an arts school. Thanks for that song. Renditions are part of the music business. Remaking Lovemore Majaivana’s songs is in all ways legal and it could be the start of a successful career.

Now, having taken heed of our complaints, Iyasa is back on track. I know of many arts lovers who scorned Iyasa and became disinterested in everything associated with the group.

This time around, those fans will re-unite with Iyasa and I’m certain about that. If the dance company is consistent- as we expect it to be- then we are in for a treat. It serves as a lesson to other arts groups as well. Staunch readers of this conversation will attest that we once discussed the need to be innovative and think outside the box. Iyasa did well and they still continue to do the same. I would like to also briefly discuss the issue of vulnerability of artistes. Many artistes do not know who to turn to when they need help.

Is there a music directory of some sort? If I want to hire Chase Skuza how do I locate him? The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and other relevant regulatory bodies could be having a list of artistes but do musicians have the same template? These are some of the questions on the streets of Bulawayo. These are some of the issues that are taken for granted.

The problem with artistes is that they can discuss anything under sun but forget to solve their own problems.

Let me be blunt and seek no apology for it: Artistes no longer care about themselves. Bulawayo artistes have been reduced to performing at weddings and parties such as birthdays.

It takes a brave parent to allow their child to venture into the music industry after having seen once popular musicians wallowing in abject poverty. Chase Skuza would not be ashamed to tell you the industry is at an all-time low and artistes risk becoming paupers. There are no well paying shows in the city.

I am sure there must be a way to overcome this challenge. How is Iyasa doing it? Maybe Nkululeko Dube can assist on this one. Ideas to bring new dimensions are hidden under our beds. The arts sector has no monitoring mechanism on budding and upcoming projects. Once the gem musician is identified, they are left at the mercy of promoters. No radio airplay, no show, no media exposure. The artiste knows nothing. This is what the industry has turned out to be. What makes Oliver Mtukudzi a star? It will take a conversation with Tuku to understand what makes him tick. Music reviewers and researchers can give answers open to debate on the issue.

Even other seasoned greats can share their musical journey so that the “lost” and confused young musicians can learn from them. Why is it that artistes performing on the same stage do not receive the same treatment? Radio stations and the print media are often blamed for branding artistes. The media people do not accept this but it happens.

Instead of calling the journalist and complaining about lack of publicity it is better to organise a music conference to talk about the challenges facing the industry.

Remember music and the arts are business.