“Lack of technological growth in the industry is still a huge challenge. We are not yet up to standard with regard to technology issues. At a one stage I struggled to send 150 CD copies to be shared by the Zimbabwe radio stations. If it was here in Cape Town where everything is computerized, they could have just searched my name and my tracks would have appeared in the system.
My colleagues lament the same problem. If you want your music to be played by national studios you have to arrange for hard copies and post or take them. This is now an antiquated system. We need to adopt new measures if we are to grow our nation’s music industry. We are living in a computerised era,” said Cape Town-based Mabvudzi (35).
A Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation official also lashed out at the institution for being behind the times. “We have tried hard to engage relevant stakeholders in the company to uplift the technology standards but they still believe in ancient methods. It is pathetic that ZBC always asks artists to bring hard-copies in this age where soft copies are accessible wherever you are,” he said, on condition of anonymity as he is not allowed to speak to media. Meanwhile, Mabvudzi is set to release his third album this month entitled ‘African Dream’ highlighting challenges he faces as an immigrant in Cape Town.
“My policy is that I work with anyone who is willing to work with me, no matter what class or race. I live for music,” he said. Mabvudzi came to Cape Town in 2006 in search of greener pastures to develop his music career. He has since enjoyed commercial success in Europe, Australia and Canada.
He is also a DJ for One Afro Radio, which describes itself as serving the music needs of African and Caribbean communities around the world.
In 2010, he released his second solo album titled The Journey, featuring hit songs like Chenai, Huya and Uhambo which sold over 1,000 copies through Facebook in Australia and Germany. In August 2011, he released his first online single ‘Babey Ndipe’, taken from his forthcoming album African Dream. It reached over 5,000 downloads in three days. Mabvudzi remains one of the few Zimbabweans whose music is enjoying airplay across radio stations.
His advice to new artists: “It is difficult to convince people to listen to music that is not in their language. New artists must learn to improvise with the resources they have and persevere.” He says he owes his success to Adiktive Streetgear, who sponsor his photo shoots and provide clothes for his gigs.
Post published in: Entertainment