Keep it up ‘Coke on the Beat’

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Silverscreen

The heat is stocking up, with just a few months before the curtain comes down on the year. This is the time when everyone wants to make sure they have made it well in various aspects and trying to make a bold statement and do it in style. And for television viewers, as well as the artistes who determine the arts and entertainment trends in Zimbabwe, the hot race has begun, judging from the numerous new releases that have been unleashed onto the market.

Of course, one cannot rule out the fact that the music scene in Zimbabwe and elsewhere else in the world is always a cut-throat industry that sees the best walking away with the top accolades. While those who have been snoozing on the game go home empty-handed or finger-pointing and crying foul over what they deem ‘unfair’ judging. But the fact remains that nothing beats the best of standards and high quality when it comes to this industry.

This is the reason why the likes of Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Winky D, Jah Prayzah, the Charambas, Blessing Shumba, Alexio Kawara among others have had sleepless nights working hard towards coming up with products that are appealing to their legion of fans.

They know that they don’t have time to rest on their achievements and afford unexcited or half-baked products associated with the big names they have built for themselves over the years.

And this is also the same reason why corporate organisations like Coca Cola, Delta Beverages, among others have also ensured that they promote and sponsor the best in the game.

ZTV’s programme, “Coke on the Beat” has always been very instrumental in ensuring that artistic works of excellence in musical form are always recognised and celebrated.

In recent months, the programme has brought to the fore works by musicians like Cindy Munyavi, Winky D, Alexio Kawara, Sniper and Ammara Brown either through interviews or playlists.

One good thing about this programme is that it is interactive, since viewers and fans are also accorded a chance to air out their views including sending shout-outs on their social media platforms.

Again one still wonder what happened to the countdown, on-show voting process for favourite artistes.

No wonder contemporary musician and artiste of the moment, Jah Prayzah, garnered one million hits following the release of his latest album “Mudhara Vachauya”.

Through “Coke on the Beat”, artistes are inspired to do more when it comes to unleashing their creative juices.

This then translates to the upping of quality, and therefore quality viewership since viewers will be making a direct contribution towards what they want to see in terms of programming.

Great new talent has also been unveiled in the form of youthful Andy Muridzo and this makes the race tight and interesting.

Through this kind of development, there is no reason why Coca Cola should hesitate to pour in funds in support of artistes if they prove that they are serious about their art and giving fans and viewers value for their money.

It therefore remains to be seen who among the top crop of musicians as well as the dark horses will walk away with the coveted prizes.

I say well done Mr Director, (Simon Itayi Mungazi) for “Coke on the Beat” show for your tremendous effort with a balanced playlist from across Africa.

One good thing is many would have been tired because of the MTV or Trace videos, so having a different feel makes it worthwhile.

The show also promotes the videos from Diaspora and to add icing on the cake the well-researched interviews with great presenters.

So far, this is one musical show with vibrant and energetic presenters such as Napoleon Nyanhi, KVG, MisRed, Butterphly, Tich and Goodchild among others.

The presenters are good and their radio personality background makes it easy for presentation. With years coming, we also ask if there is room for young and talented presenters. You know with music to capture the young, you need one.

Remember the so called most loved presenters in South Africa such as Boity Khumalo and Nomuzi Mabena where captured and groomed at a tender age and grew in television to the extent that even now, the script is like a lotion to them.

I hope the show producers can consider that too in future but above the rest “Coke on the Beat” has raised standards of music videos in Zimbabwe and it has become a favourite show for many.

If, however, Mr Director with your creativeness, can we as well have other sets, rather now the usual?

Make use of different places in Zimbabwe, remember music too is tourism.