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Nkululeko Nkala
Black Umfolosi is one of the most decorated groups to come out ofA� Zimbabwe.
Their song Unity is a timeless classic, relevant now as it was then. Thus, a day after Unity Day I feel the need to preach unity.
By the way, well done Zimbabwe for maintaining peace and harmony, which comes from unity. The arts industry like any other arm with a vision needs unity to forge ahead. The Bulawayo arts constituency in particular has been found wanting in that department.
There has been a few isolated cases where unity has been the winner and the results have been nothing but amazing.
First point in reference being the a�?We honour our music legends concerta�? which had artistes organising it themselves, partnering with local businesses and the national broadcaster ZBC.
Why is unity important for me today?
One of our own, or what could turn out to be the pride of the City needs all hands on deck. I have been listening to Skyz Metro FM ever since they went live. The station is fresh especially in terms of human resources.
There is great potential for good radio there. There are some amazing radio personalities there too, I mean those with natural talent.
Even the bad ones are bad in a good way, they bring in a natural feeling that even I can do it. Artistes from this region are finally getting the platform they always cried for.
Why am I on and on about Skyz Metro? In all my listening I realised there was one thing missing which is a very important ingredient in the broadcasting sector. Without it, it basically becomes a case of good handwriting but wrong answers. This is where all of us need to come in.
The station has little or no adverts in most cases. Stories are good, music great but no adverts. We all cried for such in the City.
A station of our own. Qhubani Moyo and crew have brought us one, now all they need is our support. I cana��t start to count how many companies trade in the City of Bulawayo because they are just too many. Why are they not advertising? How will the station grow?
How will all those young people stay on radio if we do not advertise?
Together we can. As individuals we will make ground but as a collective we will cover even larger fields. I for one believe our craft in the city is ready for consumption. If Skyz does their bit, artistes stand up and support each, we collaborate, businesses look at us as potential, invite friends and families to support us.
Our city will have its own crowd pullers. I think the time has arrived that we put our differences aside and look at the bigger picture.
Leta��s all unite in pushing local arts in the same way people unite when there is a foreign act. We need endorsements for local artistes. We need to create our own heroes.Until next week, be safe.
@NkueNkala
derick.khumalo