Nothani Maseko, who runs an electrical shop, saloon and record bar, is committed to helping those who are trying to find their feet in business and the arts – especially musicians who have failed to win contracts with major companies.
“I have seized the initiative because I have realised that this continued wailing will not take us anywhere. Only active participation will give us progress and I have embarked on that journey,” said Maseko in a recent interview.
“We have cried so much about the need for unity among Zimbabwean artists across all beats, languages and geographical locations, but very few people have made the first step towards achieving that.”
He spoke out against the regionalism that is prevalent in some quarters.
“Regionalism should not be the name of the game, especially for Zimbabweans here in South Africa and anywhere in the Diaspora,” he said.
“Before we break our origins down to regions, provinces and districts, we have to first accept that we are all Zimbabweans brought to foreign lands by one goal – trying to find better opportunities in life. The more we keep remembering that, the more ground we will cover in our endeavour to create a better, successful Zimbabwe.”
Actions speak louder than words and Maseko has moved from assisting his Kezi “homeboys” to incorporating those from as far as Muzarabani, who come to him almost daily for financial, material or any other help.
When he knocks off from his shop, the 36-year-old Disciples of Jesus Christ pastor goes to the saloon, run by his wife, where he is swamped by young men and women with their various business plans.
So far he has helped 10 young musicians to break into the market.
“Those I cannot assist, I refer to somebody else. For example, there are some musicians who have recorded classy albums but failed due to a lack of marketing. So I opened a record bar in the saloon, which caters for nothing but Zimbabwean music, films and dramas. This gives our artists exposure and an opportunity to build names for themselves.”
With his main shop sells mostly musical and electrical equipment, Maseko is already in the process of building a full musical band for use by upcoming musicians during their live shows.
“Most of these boys are failing to make an effective presence because they lack the kit to hold live shows, which are one way of selling themselves to the public through exposure. So enabling them to hold shows will be one way of promoting them,” he said.
“I am also building a studio that will offer the best deals to new musicians and those who lack the financial muscle to record the best music.
One of the bands that have benefitted immensely from Maseko’s help is All Stars Music – now the flagship ensemble of his stable.
“I grew up in a very poor family, but due to the love we received from our local community, we never slept on empty stomachs and that taught me that with love and helping out, one can build a united society,” said the last born in a family of five boys and four girls.
“I hate the ongoing rumours about our musicians hating one another and my aim is to unite them and make them realise that only unity will see them put both themselves and their country on the map.
“I also want all artists in my stable to be role models in society. I want them to look smart by dressing smart and living healthily and clean. Society is tired of artists who abuse their fame to destroy other people’s lives by impregnating school girls, breaking families and fighting petty wars,” he added.
Post published in: News