adminArts Correspondent
RECORDING companies have been challenged to put in place vigorous music distribution and marketing strategies so that musicians will maintain a high level of confidence in them. The call was made by Mashoko Gamanya, the leader of promising gospel music outfit, Witnesses of Jesus, who challenged recording firms to make strategies for their business operations with view of making sure that musicians’ products were distributed, marketed and made available across the country.
“As musicians, when we sign contracts with these recording companies, it will be out of the confidence that they will do everything in as far as marketing and distribution is concerned.
“Sadly, it is a different scenario altogether because wherever we travel around Zimbabwe, we are often asked about the availability of our music which is not found everywhere,” Gamanya lamented.
He said while they were into singing with the sole aim of spreading the word of God they, however, also depended on money earned from the sales of their music as this would help in the day-to-day running of the group.
“We are gospel singers, but we also want to reap from our sweat and this means that we also want to receive our royalties timely just like any other artiste.
“No matter how little it might be, this is the money that we expect to assist our members when it comes to transport, instruments hiring and recording, among other things,” he said.
Meanwhile, Witnesses of Jesus have hailed the free music courses that are currently being offered by the Zimbabwe Music Crossroads Academy, which they said would go a long way in helping artistes have a clear and informed understanding and approach to music.
“For a long time musicians have been just practising their art basing mainly on talent but they also need professional skills for a clearer understanding of how music operates as a profession, business and art. I think the decision by Music Crossroads to offer these music lessons should be applauded and I see musicians gaining more skills, more confidence and approach their work more professionally, Gamanya said.
Witnesses of Jesus first came on the mainstream music scene with their first album titled “Hakuna Rimwe Zita” which was recorded at MJ Studios owned by music producer and talented keyboardist Jonathan Mgazi.
The group is a product of Zvapupu ZvaJesu Apostolic Church led by Bishop Totela Mtotela.
It is one of the few in the country from the apostolic church sects who fuse their vocals with musical instruments like guitars and keyboards.
They are currently marketing their second album “Rakabaiya Gwayana” during their performances at various church and social gatherings.
Online Reporter