Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
Musician Kay_Kid Umfanomsotho has urged event promoters who host musical shows headlined by foreign artistes to create networking opportunities for local performers so they can grow their careers.
The artiste said local musicians often share the stage with the visiting international and regional stars, but rarely get meaningful opportunities to interact with them beyond taking photographs.
Throughout his career, Kay_Kid Umfanomsotho has performed alongside artistes such as Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Nkosazana Daughter, Winky D, Scotts Maphuma, Aymos, Holy Ten, Dladla Mshunqisi, ExQ, Makhadzi, Lady Du, Oskido and Dr Malinga.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, the musician said local artistes rarely get time to engage visiting stars in ways that could lead to collaborations.
“What’s sad is that at many gigs, we don’t get the chance to have meaningful conversations with these celebrities about our careers. Sometimes it’s just a quick picture before you’re pushed away, and at times you even have to beg for it. What makes it worse is that the people pushing us away are the very ones who should be organising time for us to interact with them.
“Even five minutes would make a difference. They could sit and watch us perform, but sometimes we perform without them seeing us, which may make them think we’re just fans and not fellow artistes,” said Kay_Kid Umfanomsotho.
He said local artistes often swallow their pride and take photos with visiting stars as a way of promoting their work on social media.
Reflecting on meeting Kamo Mphela during her debut performance in Gwanda recently, the musician said the moment felt surreal.
“At first, I couldn’t believe I was standing next to her. It felt like a dream because we watch them on television, draw inspiration from them and hope to follow in their footsteps. So being beside her meant a lot to me, even though we didn’t get the chance to sit down and talk about music and art,” he said.
Kay_Kid Umfanomsotho said he recently had more productive engagements with Zandimaz and South African actor Oros Mampofu.
“I had a great conversation with both of them, thanks to Nonhlanhla, the manager of Tables and Pins, for organising the meeting. I’ll always appreciate it. With Oros, we spoke about my acting passion, which I showcase through my music videos. He told me the journey isn’t easy, sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s tough, but as long as one is passionate, dedicated to his or her work and puts God first, it will eventually pay off.
“With my homie DJ Zandimaz, we exchanged contacts so we can keep in touch and share my music links. She’s willing to listen to my music and also gave me some advice on how to succeed,” said Kay_Kid Umfanomsotho.
He said such interactions show the value of creating structured networking opportunities whenever international artistes perform in the country. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire.
