Let’s Talk Zim Music

Zimbabwe ‘s national youth policy wishes “to instill in youth a clear sense of national identity and an awareness of, respect for, and active commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe ” (Youth Council Amendment Act  No. 16 of 1997). Music, is one of the tools to be used for […]

Corruption is a malignant cancer that has affected the arts industry for a very long time. According to Transparency International, “Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and environmental crisis”( https://www.transparency.org/en).  In my view, the worst dimension of corruption is its anti-development thrust.  It takes away the

The hardest burden I have ever had to bear was being misunderstood by my friends. There is nothing stranger, more awkward and more frustrating than a friend you are trying to assist holding misperceptions about your motives. It is awfully painful when the mistrust is being created by a third party with a hidden agenda.

Starting a career in music is not the easiest thing in the world. Often you have to wear more than one hat. You have to be an entrepreneur, employer, artist and marketer all at the same time. You must generate ideas, negotiate contracts, produce and record your music as well as promote it. These multiple

Artists need support from government and other stakeholders to ensure the survival, growth and profitability of the arts industry. Government must ensure the effective enforcement of existing legislation and, enactment of new laws to protect artists from exploitative tendencies such as piracy and non-remittance of royalties by publishers, record companies and bodies such as the

The music industry in Zimbabwe has experienced periods of boom and slump. The early musicians played music for passion rather than for money. Being a musician was associated with ‘hurombe’. Indeed many who played music before 1980, could testify of there being very little financial gain from the work. The period immediately after independence was

Making music is a serious economic activity that involves many professionals and institutions working at various levels of the production process. These include lyricists, vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, managers, engineers, producers, promoters, broadcasters, graphic artists and recording companies. The role played by each of these professionals is indispensable in the production of music. If each professional

As we meet this week, a dark cloud hangs over the arts community in Zimbabwe following the demise of Zexie  Manatsa. Manatsa was a music giant who produced many timeless hit songs such “Chipo Chiroorwa”, “Tiyi Hobvu”, Vaparidzi Vawanda” and  ” Tsuro Soccer Star”. According to a statement released by the National Arts Council, ”

Greetings to all the good people of our great country, Zimbabwe. My name is Clive Malunga, of Jenaguru Arts Centre. I know I have met many of you in various performative arenas across the country and even beyond, or on social media platforms or through television and radio. Indeed, my involvement in music and dance