Online Reporter
Runesu Gwidi
Masvingo Bureau
ZORA music icon Leonard “Karikoga” Zhakata has enjoined young and upcoming musicians to maintain the highest level of discipline, integrity and professionalism.
Addressing a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services offices in Masvingo last Tuesday, Zhakata, who is now a pastor with the United Family International Church founded by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, said young people venturing into music were mostly carried away by “greed” for money and fame, cyber crimes, drugs and substance abuse, among other vices.
“The music industry ordinarily requires the highest level of discipline, integrity, and adherence to music industry professional ethics. Setbacks in the music industry include the involvement of musicians in cyber crimes, drugs and substance abuse, among other forms of immoral behaviour,” Zhakata said.
“The drugs and substance abuse scourge is also tearing apart the dignity and moral standing of musicians; hence, a collective response is needed to safeguard our music profession,” he said.
Taking Masvingo journalists down their memory lanes, the renowned sungura icon said he was driven by passion throughout his illustrious music career journey.
“I started my music career in 1987, and most importantly, I was not motivated by the desire for money and fame, but a strong passion for the field.
“I would therefore like to send a clear message to young people entering the music industry that they need to be passionate about music, and things like money, fame and other rewards will then follow,” he added.
Zhakata, who is part of the ongoing UFIC miracle crusade in Masvingo city, further said he will continue to cherish the unwavering moral and financial support he received from Senator Charles Tavengwa when he started his music career.
“I appreciate the unwavering moral and financial support that Sen Tavengwa gave me and all other artists,” he added.
