Many artists only get recognition when they die – enjoying a surge in sales from beyond the grave far beyond what they saw when they were alive. Although Michael Jackson was a legend while he lived, when he died 24 million of his albums were sold around the world. A million more records by the Jackson Five were also sold, all in all making about £250m in record sales.
Closer to home, Tongai Dhewa Moyo’s death shook the country so much that his music was played everywhere, in buses, bars and homes. If it was not for piracy which is seriously affecting the arts industry at the moment, his albums could have sold out.
Winky D is urging fans to live life in the present and to give due respect to artists while they live. His hit song “Sando Dzangu” expresses his rage. “Some people never attend my shows or listen to my music, but when I die they will be praising me,” chants the king of dancehall, who early this year won the People’s Choice award at the Zimbabwe National Arts Merit Awards.