BY CHIEDZA MAZHANGARA RISING gospel singer and Zimpraise Choir member Nicholas Chirunga has pleaded with arts promoters to give a chance to up-and-coming musicians to showcase their talents.
The music industry has always been considered not so welcoming for up-and-coming artistes who often struggle to get the much-needed exposure that comes with performing at live concerts and sharing the stage with seasoned performers.
Promoters and venue owners prefer seasoned and established artistes to leverage their businesses.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Chirunga said it was difficult for rising artistes to strike gold in the competitive music industry as they are mainly overlooked by promoters.
“Opportunities have mostly been for those big names in the music industry. I believe there is a need for promoters and stakeholders who organise concerts to also have confidence in up-and-coming artistes,” he said.
“Giving rising artistes the platform to showcase their talents is the only way to unearth hidden new talents. Let them be given the chance.”
Chirunga said his album titled Gwenya was receiving overwhelming responses.
“My latest release is a 11-track album that carries songs of hope and encouragement. I named it Gwenya because we are coming from a phase where everything had been at a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
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“So, this album is coming with songs that act as firelighters to relationships, prayer lives, businesses and hope to everyone who would have lost hope as a result of the pandemic.”
Chirunga said he was working on the songs’ visuals.
“Although my fan base is not yet that big, the response to the album is overwhelming. Songs on the album are Musanditendera, Kombai, Tsvete, Ndekuno, Tsoka Dzangu, Enda Mberi, Daidzayi Mweya, Power, Ndiye Ane Plan, Hoko and Musandisiye,” he said.
“I express gratitude to the producers I have worked with on the album as well as my father Bishop Believe Paradise for his helping hand. I borrow most of his sermons to make my songs.”
Chirunga said Zimpraise Choir had moulded him into the musician he is today.
“Zimpraise Choir has played a pivotal role in my career. It has provided a platform for me to showcase my talent and I am really grateful to the choir and our leader Joseph Madziyire,” he said.
- Follow Chiedza on Twitter@ChiedzaMazhang1
