Online Reporter
Prince Meke
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
UNITED KINGDOM based Zimbabwean musician, Paddy Banks, says he is excited by the response to his latest single “Baba”, which has racked up 65,000 streams on Spotify.
It has charted at number seven in Ghana.
The track, produced by Diamond Style and mixed by Looda-Beats, was released on Spotify this month. It is now trending on Spotify and iTunes, reaching listeners in 183 countries.
“‘Baba’ is performing well on social media platforms and I’m grateful for the support from diverse cultural backgrounds,” Paddy Banks said.
Spotify, a global music streaming service available on phones, computers, TVs and cars, gives artists access to millions of listeners worldwide.
Paddy Banks has urged fellow musicians to embrace digital platforms.
“I wrote the song years ago. I was inspired by my own life and journey at the time,” he said.
“I named it ‘Baba’ because I was in a place where I discovered myself through writing.
“It’s about encouraging and supporting each other in the fight against poverty.”
He added: “Musicians should take social media seriously, it sustains livelihoods.
“Right now, most people are working from home and, for us, our only hope lies in social media.
“That’s where the money is.” DJ Merciless said Paddy Banks’ streaming success shows the global appetite for Zimbabwean fusion.
“‘Baba’ is on rotation on my playlist. The Afro-pop switch is smart.
“Our artists need to think beyond borders and Spotify numbers like this prove it can work,” he said.
Promoter Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza said digital success should complement, not replace, live shows.
“Streaming is good income but artists still need the stage. The challenge is that promoters and artists must now build hybrid careers — online and offline.
“Paddy is showing the way,” Chipaz said.
Originally a hip-hop artist, Paddy Banks said multicultural influences in the UK pushed him towards Afro-pop fusion.
“The move has changed my music career completely. I have become increasingly popular with music lovers,” he said.
“My gift is to write but I’ve enrolled a team of creatives who help with social media and production.
“It has improved the quality of my music.”
He listed local artists he hopes to collaborate with.
“It would be an honour to feature Winky D, Nutty O, Sane Wav, Runna Rulez, EXQ and Holy Ten.
“I have no problem working with upcoming artists or those who have made it.
“My message to my fellow countrymen is that we are living in uncertain times with substance and drug abuse rising, especially among some fellow musicians.
“During times like this, our faith can be challenged, and it can be hard to see where God fits in with this crisis.”
