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Yeukai Karengezeka Arts Correspondent
Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Honourable Supa Mandiwanzira has urged artistes to embrace technology in marketing their music to counter piracy.
Speaking at the Emilia Patrick’s album launch at Alliance Francaise on Wednesday, Mandiwanzira said music is lucrative if artistes know how to market their music.
“I strongly believe that there is money in the arts industry and as the government we are investing significantly in it.
“Jamaica has a total population of about 2.7 million and their export music value is between 80 to 100 million dollars and we can do the same thing here,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has a lot of young talented artistes but they are getting little out of their work.
“The best way to make profit from music is to sell it online platforms where it is also difficulty to pirate. Can’t we come up with platforms like iTunes that sell our local music?”
Minister encouraged people to support the local artistes and also recommended musicians to promote their music internationally.
“Emilia’s music is very good and can easily go international. Take advantage of our country’s popularity, never mind how we are known the fact is we are known internationally.
“Let’s support our own artistes by buying original music. We are ensuring that all our radio stations implement 75percent local content policy.
“We really don’t need to see beverage companies spend US$150 000 to bring in Nigerian artistes,” he said.
He also discouraged parents to decide their children’s careers as it usually negatively affects them in life.
“Our big challenge in life is that as parents we impose what our children should do for careers but it is wrong. Rather, let us support them to achieve their dreams by supporting what they are passionate about,” he said.
Talented Afro-pop singer Emilia launched her debut 12-track album titled “Different Shades of Black”.
Her album was bought for US$10 000 by the visiting Kenyan Radio Africa Group director Patrick Quarcoo who was invited by Minister Mandiwanzira.The other one was bought by a fan for US$1000.
The launch was graced by AB Communications chief executive boss Susan Makore and Pastor G among other distinguished guests. The musician said she was happy about the launch and the support she got from the people that attended the event.
“I am happy for the support people gave me today and I believe my music is going to be played on international platforms.
“My album title is an emotional journey. It is a reflection of different stages and challenges I met in my life especially in relationships,” she said.
Some of the tracks she performed include “Addicted”, “Heaven”, “Deeper”, “Forever”, “Skin” “Down” and a cover song “Prime Time”.
Other songs on the album are “Breath Slow”, “Body”, “I wish”, “Forget me Now”, and “Ndinochema” a gospel track she composed during the period she faced difficulties to record the album.
The 28-year-old who was based in South Africa for 10 years returned home in December 2012 to pursue her musical career which her parents never wanted her to do before.
Online Reporter