FOUNDER of Zimbabwe Artistes and Fans’ Association (Zafa) Bigred Phiri has urged local artistes to be united and work together for the growth of the arts sector.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
Speaking to NewsDay, Phiri said the release of their debut album Wirirano that features more than 15 artistes proved that unity among artistes is the major drive for the growth of the sector.
“We cannot go anywhere as a country with what I have witnessed in the music industry, where local artistes are failing to unite. The release of our debut album is a result of trust and support for each other among the Zafa members who have contributed immensely to its success,” Phiri said.
He said Zafa was also there to advocate and influence policy on the welfare of artistes for them to excel in their different projects.
“There are many talented musicians out there but due to lack of exposure and resources, they are failing to make it in terms of recording, but if the spirit of unity is encouraged, they will make it,” Phiri said.
Phiri said despite the competition in the industry, musicians from various genres should unite and pull resources for the recognition and growth of the industry.
“Established musicians must assist upcoming artistes by making them curtain-raise for them as a way of promoting one another and building new brands, as well as developing them,” he said.
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“As artistes, we cannot survive and make it without supporting each other, but we can only be successful if we are united for a good cause, and that will put our country on the map.”
Phiri also pleaded with music promoters to have faith and accord opportunities to upcoming musicians as they seek to make a breakthrough in the local music industry.
Zafa’s album features the likes of Tapiwa Chimono, Peter Mathonsi, Costa Songo, Alex Siyakanda, Ronnie Mudhindo, Leonard Gumbo, Albert Nyagumbo, Ranga Blackhorse and Donald Mathabela, among others.
