Nyamhondera challenges musicians

Dennis Chimanzi

VETERAN music producer Bothwell Nyamhondera reckons the need to revamp local music production if our artistes are to make an impact across borders.

With over four decades of experience in the music sector, Nyamhondera notes that most songs being produced by the current crop of musicians can hardly attract international attention. This, he said, explains why foreign music from countries like the United States of America, Nigeria and South Africa is dominating our market.

Likewise, our stars are trying hard to sound like artistes from the said countries and many others.

“Our music needs to be revamped. It is not very bad but needs to be modernised so that it can attract the attention of that ear that is not from Zimbabwe,” said Nyamhondera.

He added that there was no reason for international artistes to be paid more money than our local acts during live gigs when we have equally talented individuals.

“It is disheartening. International acts demand more money for shows yet in most cases they are outwitted by our local stars that are, in turn, paid peanuts for their appearances. But this is why I am saying we need to revamp our music.

“Once an artiste gets international recognition, everything about them changes, including appearance fees. Burna Boy came to Zimbabwe recently, got more money than Jah Prayzah but under normal circumstances the difference must not be that much,” argued Nyamhondera.

A simple measure of success outside borders, he said, is reflected through the “quality” of the crowd.

“When an artiste has a foreign show, he or she should be able to attract followers in that country for that particular gig not only to be satisfied with playing for Zimbabweans in the diaspora. They should emulate what Wizkid, Burna Boy are doing.

“They sold more than 80 000 tickets for their concert held late last year at the O2 Arena in London,” he said.

He recommended that local music producers and musicians to exchange notes with their successful foreign counterparts.

Nyamhondera also noted the need to improve studio equipment, which has a direct bearing on the sound quality.

“Music is a serious profession that needs to be treated as such. Parents should support their children that want to pursue that career path. Likewise, spouses should support each other for the trade to grow to its full potential,” he said.

“Going to school is important, but that is not the only guarantee of success in life.”

Nyamhondera has produced most of the leading musicians in the country, both living and dead.

Recently, he had his touch on Alick Macheso’s latest offering “Tinosvitswa Nashe” and also worked on Mark Ngwazi’s “Nharo Nezvine Nharo”, including “Uchataura Zvese” done by Simon Mutambi.