Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
Arts-ORIENTED organisations Khura Agency and Ingudukazi Magazine have embarked on a quest to promote works of artistes from Bulawayo on digital platforms through a campaign named #ByoMusicStreamingParty.
The #ByoMusicStreamingParty will run from September 1 to 5 in the form of a curated playlist of music on YouTube strictly by artistes who hail from Bulawayo.
At a time that most artistes are using social media platforms to break new ground, the two organisations from the city have taken up the task to market their own.
Khura Agency creative strategist Thembelihle “Terry-Lynne” Zulu said the streaming party that has so far received over 1,5 million mentions on Google will become the country’s best thing in the music scene oriented by the digital space.
Artistes such as Vusa Mkhaya, Msiz’Kay, Noluntu J, Novuyo Seagirl, Mimmie Tarukwana, M.U.S.E, Bhekiwe, Vuyo Brown, Nkwali, Ziee Xayn, Indigo Saint and Thandy Dhlana have already rallied behind the #ByoMusicStreamingParty. Other creatives such as Tarryn Talana, Patience Phiri and Brighton “Beefactor” have also thrown in their support to ensure that the #ByoMusicStreamingParty is a success.
“There are a lot of Zimbabwean music playlists on platforms such as Deezer and Spotify, but this one will be the very first of its kind in the City of Kings.
“Playlists are an innovative and functional form of entertainment on YouTube. This is due to their ability to provide that ‘chilled vibes’ convenience of continuous play and cross-promotion of your favourite Bulawayo artistes,” said Terry-Lynne.
She said they do not have the copyright of the videos to be used and released on YouTube, but their mantra is to give Bulawayo artistes a much-needed break.
“We don’t own any of the videos on the playlist. All the streams, views, subscriptions and engagement will benefit the artistes directly on their respective YouTube channels,” she said.
“Bulawayo artistes have bemoaned the lack of support and the low numbers that they have on their creative works online. To thwart this, the #ByoMusicStreamingParty will have videos from Bulawayo in one playlist readily available to anyone on the globe.”
Added Terry-Lynne: “We took it upon ourselves to expose more people to Bulawayo music and to get Bulawayo artistes more views and subscribers. We also want to teach the algorithm to associate Bulawayo music and recommend it as such.”
Rozalliny Munemo who is the creative director at Khura Agency invited the public to suggest songs they should add to the playlist through social media.
“This will ensure that there’s diversity in the music so that there’s something for everyone. The playlist will be available forever so anyone in the world can enjoy these Bulawayo songs whenever. The playlist can be left to play in the background during work or chores.
“The #ByoMusicStreamingParty mega-playlist will be the first of many playlists curated by Khura Agency. This first playlist will strategically position us to implement our Khurated idea,” said Munemo.
As digital natives, the team at Khura Agency has pioneered the Khurated service offering of reviewing the best art, music, videos, trends, fashion and entertainment content that emerges from Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole. — @mthabisi_mthire.
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