Illusions of grandeur?

This is one of those times I am not sure if I chose the right title. If you are reading this it means by time of going to print it seemed perfect or it became too late to change.

Here we go. An illusion is the state of being deceived. Grandeur is the quality of being awesome (I hope it makes sense). Zimbabwean music, like the jungle or any other country, has its own Big Five. Most artistes put them as a measure, want to be them and enjoy what they enjoy or rather seemingly enjoy. I know many leaders who would not mind being on Tukua��s backline or Jah Prayzaha��s band.

Now here is the question; Is the grass really greener on the other side? Like clockwork Tuku, Jah and Winky D are in the United Kingdom (UK) two to three times a year. They perform to thousands every week here in Zimbabwe.

Charging between $2 000 and $5 000.

Companies take turns to pay them, they enjoy endorsements. Last week Jah Prayzah, Tuku, Winky D and Fungisai left for the UK to perform at the annual SAMA festival.

Ita��s said the tickets were 30 pounds per head and the four filled up the 3000-seater venue. Over a thousand people are said to have been turned away. Who would not want to be associated with this lot that fills venues left, right and centre?

If onea��s job is to perform all they need is gigs and more gigs. So the assumption from most of us is that even band members are enjoying the successes of their parent brands.

All four artistes took band members with them to the UK last week, word on the street is Fungisai lost two female members to the mighty UK.

My source says they asked to meet the rest of the crew at the airport and decided to do a runner on Fungisai. Ita��s said at the time of check in, their phones were no longer reachable.

Now here is another question? If these big brands are paying why do they have band member exoduses?

Why would anyone get off a popular and vibrant brand and be an asylum seeker? Ita��s not like people do not know that staying in the UK is not a guarantee of milk and honey.

I have friends who jumped ship in the UK and years later many have little to show for it.

Some still do not have the papers that will allow them to work in that land. But one thing for sure to get off a moving bus, one must know it is not taking them anywhere. Have you ever seen how band members for Jah Prayzah walk head up high and own their spaces?

It must be amazing to be part of a big brand of national pride. Do they earn enough though? What is enough? Who is to blame for the unceremonious divorces? Is the grass greener on the other side? Until next week, be safea��

@nkuenkala