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THE reggae videos DVD launch ceremony held at popular entertainment centre, Courtauld Theatre last Saturday has been hailed as a success and a milestone for local upcoming artistes who intend to break into the mainstream dancehall platform. Most artistes particularly in Mutare have tried in vain and struggled in pain to make their names known in the dancehall industry and have dismally failed to compete with those from Harare due to lack of sponsorship and exposure.
But last week’s DVD launch titled Musoro wenyaya (The Headline), a brainchild of Netiv Arts Media, an organisation centralised in inspiring and bringing people together through art, managed to bring together tens of dancehall musicians across Mutare for a live recording.
Each artiste would perform a couple of own compositions, within some stipulated minutes, live on camera.
Artistes such as Preen King, Fire Compressor, Mr Kush, Bad and Massive, Empress Lisha, Lady Gee, Gaza Mula, Jantok were bubbly, well dressed and looked well prepared for the grand event that ran up to the wee hours of Sunday. They mesmerised revellers who also came in numbers to witness the milestone achievement.
In an interview, Netiv Arts Media director, Artwell Gumiso, said local artistes needed exposure and deserved recognition to be able to compete with dancehall musicians in the capital city.
“Through research we came to note that a lot of youths are engaging in anti-social activities due to lack of occupation. Hence we saw it best to accommodate all local aspiring artistes to give them something to focus on and occupy themselves with, and in the process promote the music industry within Mutare. Therefore, we dedicated our time and resources to work with the artistes on a music DVD production in-order to inspire them and also get them to be recognised, exposed and appreciated in the music industry and mostly by the community,” said Gumiso.
If the truth be told, there are no notable dancehall artistes in Mutare who can match or even come close to the lyrical ingenuity of Sniper, Freeman, Soul Jah Love, Kinna, Seh Calaz and Lady Squanda.
Most of them are still novices who still have a long way to go.
Some artistes who put up a top drawer performance include Preen King and Empress Lisha said: “It was an awesome experience. At least this will help us to get recognition, which we rightfully deserve. It’s high time our efforts should be appreciated,” said Preen King who draws his inspiration from Freeman.
“We enjoyed. What a perfect opportunity for upcoming artistes like us,” said Empress Lisha.
Online Reporter