Chipanga said new radio players, Star FM and ZiFM had failed to bring an alternative voice to musicians, many of whom have been banned by the state radio broadcaster, ZBC.
The two new stations are owned by the Zimbabwe Newspaper Group – a Zanu (PF) propaganda mouthpiece and Zanu (PF’s) Manicaland finance secretary Supa Mandiwanzira, respectively.
The “Pharaoh” hitmaker heaped the blame on station owners whom he accused of serving the interests of their parties.
“Unless DJs are given the freedom to play music of their choice or what the listeners want, we have no reason to celebrate. When my music was banned from ZBC, it was not the DJs but rather their pay masters who restricted them. So until we have new apolitical stations focusing on entertainment then musicians will have no reason to celebrate,” said Chipanga.
Artists such as Leonard Zhakata and Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo will have their hopes of an alternative voice shattered – as the new radio stations are merely old wine in new bottles.
Post published in: Entertainment