Heart of The Rhythm
Jahbue is a Proudly Zimbabwean Jazz and House musician, producer, pianist and singer.He is here to be what Zimbabwe has been without. This blog lets you into what life is like as a musician in Zimbabwe.
Monday, 3 June 2013
Thursday, 1 November 2012
JAHBUE: Trials and Tribulations
It's a well-known fact that the Zimbabwean music industry is plagued by a plethora of obstacles and hurdles. The true test comes in how we override those obstacles and rise above the hurdles. Most people think that the lack of progress in the music industry is due to laziness but this blog serves to highlight the plight of Zimbabwean musicians.
Firstly, there is dire deficiency of resources and financial resources is the foremost resource worthy of mentioning.During the whole production process to create an album there is money required at every point and turn and this money is not readily available. To hire musical instruments for a live recording and the human labour required to operate those instruments is a far-fetched idea. And this ultimately affects the standard of music produced.
They say, "You gotta spend money to make money" but firstly there isn't money to spend and when you do spend that money you don't get it back-profit wise due to mainly piracy.In other places, large companies would usually sponsor talented musicians but here in Bulawayo its close to impossible to find such sponsors.
Secondly, the Bulawayo people don't seem to be interested in the rise and fall of their own kind. I personally believe that charity begins at home. If I am to make it internationally, I must have captured my home country first. I can't expect Nigerians to vote for me whilst I am Zimbabwean. We must build a spirit of supporting each other and this will in turn assist our local musicians.
Thirdly, local recording labels are offering musicians contracts that can be likened to slave labour. Most artists and not just musicians are craving the spotlight so much that they take any offer that is presented to them. In the beginning yes exposure is fine but after all that hardwork exposure won't reimburse the costs incurred.
Lastly, I'd like to appeal to some radio stations to please rid themselves of whatever their reasons are for not giving some of our music airplay considering we are not in violation of Zimbabwean laws.
http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2608925
http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_songs/2608925
https://www.facebook.com/Jahbue
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