adminR-Kay The Big Stage
A new Zimbabwean entertainment industry business has been formed to promote and create strategic networks in the Diaspora for the Zimbabwean arts and culture.
The Zimbabwe music promoters association (ZIMMPA) is a non-profit making organisation which is registered in England.
Driven by a passion to promote local content on the international stage the organisation was formed is by the day providing and supporting local artistes with relevant information ,resources and networks that are geared to seeing a lot more Zimbabwean artiste break onto mainstream events worldwide starting with England.
As we speak ZIMMPA will be taking part in a series of carnivals that will take place in five cities starting in May and are currently in a process of scouting for local elements to promote during the showcase. Those who will be selected will get an opportunity to raise our flag high as they will carry and tell the Zimbabwean arts and culture story.
“Our vision is to harness talent by engaging and creating a data base of promoters in the UK and globally, so that we can create a viable network and strategy between artistes and promoters that makes business sense,” said founder and executive director Godfrey Kanengoni.
“The arts are a fast growing business and until we respect that and come together to sing from the same song book we will continue to bask at the periphery of the real game.
“Over the years we have witnessed the desire by promoters abroad in trying to promote local artistes in UK. From a bit of research you will see that some events have not been given proper support and may not have given or added real value for both the art loving fans and the artistes themselves.”
ZIMMPA aims to build on the globally renowned Zimbabwean artistic heritage. Kanengoni is assisted by a dedicated team of talented consultants.
He experienced in the entertainment industry experience, having worked with his brother Phillip Mugadza, a well known Zimbabwean businessman and an international music promoter who owns Market Giants Holding and ran the Fabulous Beauty Salons.
He brought big ticket musicians to Zimbabwe (like Clarence Carter, Don Williams, Peppe Kalle, Yondo Sister, Kanda Bongoman and Sakis), and also took to the UK the late Simon Chopper Chimbetu in 2001 for a sold out show.
Philip has given Godfrey an invaluable experience to drive this new association forward. Phillip also promoted many local artistes in local shows.
Godfrey has worked with different promoters in the UK to bring artistes, giving him the first hand knowledge of the UK market.
It is a fact that we have equally great artistes in our nation who can even outshine other stars in many other places and only through proper channels of representation and networking will they realise their full potential.
- Richard Kohola aka Rk the music doctor is a radio producer presenter arts critic and music development expert. Contact him on 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]/[email protected]
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