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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
SINO-Zimbabwe ties continue to be strengthened as evidenced by the bond that artistes from the two countries enjoy. While in the past the dominant trend was for Western artistes to enjoy massive slots in the Zimbabwean arts and entertainment zones, the trend is gradually shifting towards an appreciation of Oriental art, with Chinese music being one spearheading the art genres from China.
China is emerging as one of the biggest “dragons” not only in economic and production terms but also in various other sectors that include the arts and entertainment from the same country, which are gaining massive appreciation in Zimbabwe and other countries on the African continent.
Some renowned music promoters in Zimbabwe have been banking on promoting shows by some of these top Western artistes, but facts on the ground prove that artistes of Oriental extraction — particularly China — are beginning to hold their own in Zimbabwe where some Chinese people are domiciled on either expatriate or natural residence bases.
It is with this same view that China-based Zimbabwean-born music promoter Joseph Muwombi has seen it fit to further consolidate the relationship between Zimbabwe and China by promoting shows by artistes from the two countries.
In an interview, Muwombi said music is universal hence he saw a golden opportunity to promote local artistes by taking them to China for show performances and cultural exchange programmes among others.
“China, apart from being one of the hubs of martial arts like Kung Fu and karate, is one of the leading civilisations in the world and it has become one of the biggest economies in the world through its technology and arts that are a force to reckon with globally. And with the two countries enjoying warm and cordial relations, we therefore saw it fit for us to promote artistes from both countries and one of such initiatives is the taking of Zimbabwean artistes to China for shows,” he said.
Muwombi said China is a big market for any product or service and we are very positive this will benefit our Zimbabwean artistes.
“Because of the growing number of Zimbabwean and African students with a host of Zim DJs like DJ Fyn playing in big clubs, our music is gradually penetrating the Asian market. Currently we now working on bringing Freeman- HKD Boss — for a two concert tour backed by other artists,” Muwombi said.
He cited the case of Zimdancehall making its mark in China through the Afro-Asia Entertainment and Media Company.
“The Afro-Asia Entertainment and Media Company is working together with our Chinese business partners to create a website that all artistes worldwide will publish their show dates and their live performances,” said Muwombi.
He added that the likes of DJ Fyn, Tocky Vibes and Winky D were set to grace China and other Asian countries for gigs that promise to make a powerful definition of Zimbabwean music in that continent. Muwombi grew up in Glen Norah before moving to China five years ago. He is passionate about music.
Online Reporter