Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BURLY sungura musician First Farai says content creation has kept him relevant in this era of digitalisation and technological revolution.
The Hurudza Express frontman, who recently gave social media trolls a field day after sharing pictures of his breakfast while seated in a battered couch, declared that he will not stop.
“In modern-day life, big names trend, and with my profile, I have decided to create my own content to engage with my fans because music alone is not enough,” asserted the singer.
“I have been following comments where people are roasting me for everything that I post, but I don’t care because it’s a decision I made to become a content creator. By the way, some of the social media trolls, who visit my page will be looking for content, so who am I not to join the movement where people are monetising through content?”
The “Secret Number” singer also revealed that he turned mockery and ridicule after being accused of stealing condolence money at Cephas Mashakada in 2011.
The same allegations, which were also reignited by Gift Amuli, led to his arrest on charges of cyberbullying First Farai, and they have also made him stronger.
Of course, he withdrew the case, but now First Farai and Gift Amuli are content creators after burying the hatchet.
“By the way, there is no bad content as long as it does not involve language and hate language.
“In my case, I realised that I can’t keep quiet and let people bully or ridicule me, as was the case.
“In this era of AI, people are doing all kinds of mischief, and in most cases, it’s many—only me — because I have a name that can trend well.
“If I was a nonentity, I wouldn’t be trending as was the case.”
The former Zimbabwe Music Rights Association vice chairperson revealed that he was on people’s lips during his stints at the controversial royalties collective management association.
“If you look closely during my days at Zimura as their board vice chairperson, all the attention was always on me because I have made a name for myself.
“This alone has made me strong after realising that I was not an ordinary musician.
“The fact that people would talk about me and call me all sorts of names means that I was created uniquely, and I can’t afford to keep quiet but speak out and release the pressure.”
First Farai is one of the seasoned musicians who has decided to use social media to engage with fans.
With social media known for being ruthless, First Farai’s entrance into the creative space came with harsh criticism.
“Like I said earlier on, I don’t care what people will say, but I am just following my passion as a musician and content creator.
“I know many would want me to focus on music, but I will also double as a content creator, engaging with my fans.
“Who am I to be left behind in this era of digitalisation? What have I done wrong to join the wave?” he asked.
Mathew Masinge