adminNkosilathi Sibanda
IN their stories, our parents tell us that when they were younger, music was good then. Once upon a time, musicians were a rare breed of humans. They were some kind of little gods of entertainment.We hear how Elvis Presley made women fall on their knees. We witnessed the same during Michael Jackson’s prime. The list is endless.
Just leave a collection of a 1970s classic at home and do not be surprised to find your mother dancing to the tunes. She is going back in time.
It is a blast from the past. One cannot escape it. Our old folks remember and fondly tell of a time they would prepare for a concert or a party.
New clothes would be bought for a music show. I doubt if such music fans who go to the tailor for a new suit to wear to a concert are still there. I am yet to meet one.
Listen to comments about the entertainment trends of the 60s or so and you will not to hear a bad comment. Our old folk really enjoyed what came out of the stage. They grew up with that appreciation.
It is a shock to get a nod from the old guard. “Today’s music is meaningless.” Such are the crude comments that young artistes face up to.
Similar feedback also comes from young fans, of which one would have thought understands their peers’ entertainment style. Sadly, no teenage party will play local music all night either. Taking up a profession in the entertainment sector is a continuous tunnel to the youth. Their style is not respected.
It is dustbin material. So who will carry over their story? In every way, young artistes are put on a scale against the established gurus.
These musicians that we call up-and-coming are not losing it in any way. They are on the road to stardom. They write, sing and perform, but the missing link is the mentor.
What are mentors for? There is a need for those among the older and experienced musicians to give guidance to the wandering future stars. Of course there is some “stinking” arrogance from young artistes and other industry players alike. The young play down advice. A simple tip from an old musso sounds as a threat. Oh yeah, we have heard that before. Some do not see eye to eye. Even old timers look down on the young.
So damning is the fact that few of our legendary entertainers have inspired the up-and-coming. Names that played a huge influence on today’s music are mostly those from other countries.
Young entertainers find inspiration beyond the borders. Like tradition, music has to be passed on. Simply put: musicians, producers, managers and those who call themselves worthy in the industry must give wisdom to the youth.
If the entertainment scene is to change for the better, Chase Skuza needs to know how Oliver Mtukudzi made it. Oliver has to share it. I’m sure many young artistes will want to lend an ear. Not only that, but to work with legends of such character.
Is it all about scouting a good manager or changing the way one sings? In previous conversations we hit on the idea of converging stakeholders in the showbiz industry. From these dialogues, young entertainers get the opportunity to burn out their fears. Minds get sharpened and they will walk out knowing what to give the public. Oliver also learnt from others. His music is defined as purely Zimbabwean.
The urban movement in Bulawayo understands tunes from Mzansi well. We have many artistes yet we still cannot distinguish them from brothers in Mzansi. There is no beat that defines the city. Only Majaivana holds the crown, in as many years as he went to exile. The young cannot catch up. The race is tough at the start. No blame is put on anyone, but the general feeling is that the elders have to guide the young.
Young entertainers must stretch their throats and swallow their pride as well. The success of local showbiz also rests on the sharing of knowledge and skills.
In how many shows have young people shared the stage with the veterans? I see no harm if Mcheznana does a single with Cool Crooners. It should not be a perennial pickup line. The time is now for the young and old to engage. There is a sound reason my granny does not understand Shinsoman.
She will forever say Miriam Makeba was the best there was because she has never listened to other music. Music was good then, what of now? Those who knew good music have an obligation to teach others.
Both the young and old minds in the entertainment world have to sober up and come to table.
The future of this entertainment business is anchored on the sharing of experiences and skill.
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Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter