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Fast-rising DJ, Stavo feels let down by the local corporate world that he feels is not supporting the arts industry.
Popularly known as the Kwekwe Hustler, the DJ (real name Steven Sanders) who recently relocated to Harare from Kwekwe in search of greener pastures, said companies needed to support artistes, especially those who represent the country on international stages.
Commenting on three-year-old DJ Arch Junior’s win on SA’s Got Talent, Stavo said the local industry would only grow if it is supported. DJ Arch wowed many TV viewers through his deejaying and mixing skills and made history at the weekend after becoming the first youngster to win the talent competition, walking away with a R500,000 prize money.
“I may be a top DJ in Zimbabwe, but I’ve a lot of respect for this kid. He has everything a top DJ would dream of at the age of 36 months,” posted DJ Stavo.
“A lot of people I meet always say DJ Stavo, you’re one of Zimbabwe’s most successful DJs. Why is it that our industry is not growing? Well there’re a lot of reasons, but a major part of growth is money.”
“It’s seriously high time the corporate world in Zimbabwe jumps on board to support the talent that is representing our country. A lot of people might not agree with me, but everyone has their own opinions and this is mine.”
Stavo said international artistes were benefiting at the expense of locals, judging by the rate at which they flock to the country monthly, affirming that corporates have money to finance arts. Some foreign acts such as Nigeria’s P Square charge up to $100,000 to perform in the country.
“Have a look at artistes that come and perform here. They respect Zimbabwe because we pay top dollar for them. They respect the US dollar. The corporate world in Zimbabwe has the US dollar.”
The DJ commended South Africa for weighing behind DJ Arch Junior, urging local corporates to take a leaf from their counterparts.
“DJ Arch Jnr, just 36 months old, has several headphones worth thousands of rands sponsored by Beats by Dr Dre. His main gear sponsor is Algoriddim Djay of which he is also a brand ambassador. AJ is also dressed by Guess Kids SA and is also their label ambassador.
“Northcliff Auto Mini has sponsored a set of wheels for AJ. He rides in his own red and black branded Mini Cooper when he attends gigs.”
Stavo’s post attracted comments from fellow DJs and friends who agreed with him but highlighted that more work needed to be put by local artistes so that they attract companies.
“The people with the money don’t seem to believe fully in rewarding locals for their services yet. The music industry needs to create policies that govern minimum wages, at least for any performing artist. Our industry is not yet taxing artists, so because artists are not in the system, it becomes like a black market trade and hence quantifying ones worth has no hard and fast rule. It all boils down to demand and negotiating skills,” commented one Victor Chiduku.
Bernard Chambati said artistes needed to be professional in the way they conduct business adding that imposters had compromised the industry.
“We need to market and be professional in our industry. Too many imposters out there are killing the industry.”
Another, Max Ngorima, said people needed to understand that most companies in Zimbabwe are struggling to stay afloat, thereby making sponsoring artistes a mammoth task for them.
“There are not a lot of industries left in Zimbabwe. The few that are left are barely getting by. There are only a handful of large companies that are consistently turning over real profits year in year out and these already have a lot on their plate,” Ngorima responded to Stavo.
Meanwhile, Arch Junior was yesterday the centre of discussion after Twitter users questioned if his decks were plugged in at the SA’s Got Talent finale. The sceptics prompted the three-year-old’s father to post an explanation on the tot’s Facebook fan page.
“So I’m sure you’ve come across a picture saying ‘no audio out cables‚ so the mix was fake’. Normally when you use a computer and a controller you’ve two options when it comes to audio out. It’s either you go with the computers audio out or the controllers audio out.
“Usually I use the controllers audio out but it gave us a buzzing sound so we’d to go with the computers audio out‚ makes no difference really.”
The post shared photos to demonstrate how the cables worked.
Online Reporter