Over the past couple of years, Zimbabwe has experienced a high influx of international stars flocking into the country. Recently Lil Kim, Ciara, Fat Joe and DJ Scratch rocked the Borrowdale Race Course joining other big names such as Joe Thomas, Akon and Sean Kingston who have also made a grand appearance in Zimbabwe.
Since the beginning of 2010, Jamaican stars such as Sizzla Kalonji, Sean Paul, Yassus Afari, Brick and Lace, Beenie Man, King Sounds, Touch of Klass (TOK) and Capleton have all performed here.
This has been identified as one of the most effective ways to market the country as a safe tourist destination by the ministry of Tourism and Hospitality and its subordinate, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
However, in as much as the country is in desperate need of marketing, it cannot be done at the expense of the local arts industry. Local artistes and musicians have vociferously condemned this as cheap marketing gimmicks that is fuelling the collapse of the local arts industry.
Local musicians are criticized for failing to give polished products, and living humble lifestyles as opposed to the fame of their global counterparts. Some die as paupers, thanks to the attitude of the government and corporate world, which continues to financially manipulate them.
The government and cooperate world is so forthcoming when it comes to parting with large sums of money to international stars – but very stingy when it comes to doing the same locally.
Not a single local artist performed during the Zarfest concert. The show was strictly a foreign affair. It was sponsored by a South African business tycoon Kenny Kunene. The MC was also South Africa – actor Lungile Radu (Sbu of Rhythm City).
Economically speaking, the show promoters did not leave a cent behind since all their expenditures for the venue, accommodation, security and other miscellaneous expenses were recovered through gate takings, beverages and copyright leases for entertainment institutions to film the show.
Loosely translated in economic terms, all the profit will be invested in SA by the promoter and in America by the artists, while poor Zimbabwe is left with only memories to share.
Zarfest was one of the most expensive gigs ever to happen in Zimbabwe with whopping entrance fees ranging from $50 for the economy tickets to $100 – $200 for the Golden Ring tickets.
Huge budgets and prices were routine for most of the shows previously organised. ZTA said it spent $27 000 on the Joe Thomas show during the highly inflationary period but, according to industry insiders, the real figure is more likely to have been between $60 000 and $80 000.
At the Real Deal gig, Akon, Sean Paul and Brick and Lace walked away with $250 000, $150 000 and $80 000 respectively – whereas several local musicians, including the king of sungura Aleck Macheso, were left to scramble for a mere $10,000.
Sizzla was said to have been given $150 000 and sources within Red Rose Entertainment have revealed that Capleton pocketed $80 000. There was a very small budget for local supporting acts, which prompted Winky D to snub the show.
Given the figures indicated above, it would have changed the face of the local music industry if the funds had been directed into the coffers of local stars.
It would have gone a long way in setting up state of the art studios, record companies, instrumentation and provision of quality products.
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Post published in: Music