Dr Manners Msongelwa
ZIMBABWE’S music industry is witnessing an exciting generation of young musicians. They are releasing hit after hit, attracting huge crowds and filling entertainment venues.
Their creativity, energy and determination deserve recognition. They have the talent to take Zimbabwean music to greater heights.
However, amid this success, there is an important question we must ask: Are we preparing our young musicians for long-term success or are we only celebrating their immediate popularity?
My concern is the foundation upon which some of these careers are being built. There are worrying indications of excessive alcohol consumption, drug use and lifestyles that could eventually destroy promising careers. What may appear fashionable today can become a serious health, personal and professional problem tomorrow.
There is also a need to address responsible relationships. Fame brings attention and temptation, but artists must remember their family commitments. Infidelity and unprotected sexual encounters expose individuals to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and other consequences. Fame should never come at the expense of personal responsibility.
Professional integrity is another concern. Some artists accept multiple bookings for the same date and time, disappointing promoters and audiences. Others fail to honour confirmed engagements.
This damages relationships, costs event organisers money and destroys professional reputations. An artist must understand that a booking is a business commitment, not a casual promise.
Talent attracts opportunities, but integrity sustains them.
Financial discipline is equally important. Young musicians must learn to save, invest, understand contracts and build businesses. A successful music career should create long-term financial security rather than temporary excitement.
What needs to be done?
I believe the music industry needs structured mentorship programmes for emerging artists. Established musicians, responsible managers, counsellors, health professionals and businesspeople should work together to guide young talent.
Such programmes should address:
• Character development and personal discipline.
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention.
• Healthy relationships and sexual responsibility.
• Financial literacy and investment.
• Professional ethics and honouring contracts.
• Managing fame, pressure and public attention.
• Mental health and personal wellbeing.
Music managers should not only be concerned about securing shows and generating income. They should also take an interest in the personal development and wellbeing of the artists they represent.
It is equally important to acknowledge that not all young musicians are involved in irresponsible behaviour. Some are disciplined, focused, respectful and managing their careers exceptionally well. Such artists deserve recognition and should become positive role models.
Zimbabwe has invested a lot of hope in its young musical talent. We want to see them perform internationally, build successful businesses, create employment and inspire future generations.
However, we must not wait until promising careers collapse before we start talking about mentorship.
Let us not just raise successful musicians; let us raise responsible individuals.
To our young artists: Protect your talent, protect your health, respect your commitments, manage your money and choose your company wisely.
Remember, you can release 20 hit songs in a year, fill stadiums and become a celebrity, but without character and discipline, sustaining that success becomes difficult.
Talent gets you noticed. Character earns you respect. Discipline sustains your success.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, youth mentor and educationist. He can be contacted on +263 77 101 9392
