Martin Sibanda laments slow uptake of album pre-orders

MARTIN “The Big Boss” Sibanda says he is busy working on pre-orders for his forthcoming album but says the uptake from fans has not been impressive.

The Ndolwane Super Sounds front-man has been in the music industry for decades, starting off with the united Ndolwane Super Sounds which featured Charles Ndebele and the late Abson Ndebele. The band recorded hit after hit which also did well on the market but due to technological changes which has changed how people consume music, recording music and selling it is no longer as lucrative.

Last year, Sibanda who has 60 000 fans on his Facebook page, said he will only release the yet-to-be-titled album when a minimum of 10 000 of these fans pre-order it.

“We lose a lot when we produce albums as people share the songs via social media platforms like WhatsApp. What we’re saying is that we’ll only produce the album when we have 10 000 or more pre-orders. That way we know piracy will not adversely affect us,” said The Big Boss.
Fans were given a bank account to deposit money for the pre-orders.

“The pre-order project that I initiated last year hasn’t gained traction among rhumba fans. Our people haven’t yet warmed up to it hence the low figures of people who’ve so far bought the album in advance,” he said.

The Big Boss said the idea is for music fans to take charge while the initiative also benefits singers.
“Selling music after release is a waste of time because people will consume the music somehow without paying for it due to technology,” he said.

The gifted vocalist said it was disheartening that fans continue to ask artistes to release new albums yet the singers are not benefiting.
He challenged fans to support initiatives meant to fight piracy which is shortchanging musicians whose works are being enjoyed by fans for free.

“I’ve started working on the pre-order album and once done, I’ll check the progress made on sales. I will only release the album when I am happy with the sales,” insisted Big Boss.
He said he could not share when the album is likely to be released as this will depend on the sales. — @themkhust