adminyears. The recent technological advancements that have seen the emergence of disc copying machines have increased the rate of piracy.
Musical CDs are dubbed and copies are sold at cheaper prices, disadvantaging the artistes who would have worked hard to produce them.
While commenting on piracy in a recent interview Henry Makombe, the Senior Licensing Officer of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association said his organisation was concerned with managing the rights of music composers.
He added that as an organisation, they educated people on the dangers of piracy to the economy, artistes and to the quality of music produced in the country.
“We educate the people about the effects of piracy to the economy, to the artiste, to the quality of music produced in the country and the recording companies’ said Makombe
Gospel artistes are equally affected by piracy. It is common to find music of such artistes as Charles Charamba, Ruth Mapfumo, Bethany Pasinawako, Blessing Shumba and many others selling for as little as a dollar on the street pavements and other flea markets.
Although some artistes may seem less affected by problem, others have been very unfortunate and have had to sell their music alone to overcome this scourge.
One such group is the Mbare Singers of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
Located in the old suburb of Mbare, this group that was formed in 2005 and is a nine member male band.
It is comprised of Fricanos Mupakwachena, Munyaradzi Chibvaru, Timothy Mupomba, Edmore Nhire, Frank Kajengo, Abisai Chinhamo, Davis Chafa Isaac Mashiri and Anesu Muchengetwa, who all are working hard to reduce the rate of piracy on their product.
Speaking in an interview during at a one-week crusade that was organised by the Mbare Circuit Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, the group’s marketing manager Anesu Muchengetwa said piracy was depriving his group of income to record new albums and tour different parts of the country to promote their music.
“We have resorted to selling our own music. We have plans to sell our music with other record companies but at the moment we are selling and marketing our own music. We have only done few shows due to lack of financial resources” said Anesu.
Although the group has over the years performed at different functions such as weddings, crusades, and private function Anesu said his group was grappling with the problem of piracy.
‘‘We have performed in different places since our formation. In 2009 we had a concert in Glenview where we performed with CCAP Voice of Mbare and Bethany Pasinawako.
“We were also invited as a group to provide entertainment at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex in 2008 where such dignitaries as Patrick Zhuwawo had a chance to enjoy our music but we have not been getting any money from sales because of piracy”
He added that his group was guided by the word of God and despite facing such challenges, his group would continue preaching the word of God through music.
“We are preaching the gospel through music, and also working as a knowledge base to preserve the origins of music in the church, which many have come to know as Ubvuwi,” he said.
Although some people in the church have infused new concepts to the traditional Methodist style of worship, Anesu said Mbare Singers would continue in their style of music which separates them from other artists who use conventional instruments such as guitars, the key board and other instruments.
He added that instruments like the rattle (hosho) the African drum and the horn gave their music a traditional flavor, which appeals to different tastes.
Despite recording only three albums since their formation in 2005 the group has become a household name and now commands a huge following in the Methodist church and within the Christian community.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter