“My song was a big hit in 1980, but I don’t see it on youTube and today’s DJs no longer play it”, said one elderly musician to me the other day.
I said to him “The answer is simple. Your song is still a big hit. I remember it. However, technology has changed over the years. In 1980, we all went for vinyl records and there was no video technology. Today’s youth don’t know what you are talking about.
Put that song on youTube with a video mix to go with it and it will be a big hit again. Today’s young DJs don’t know it”.
“How do I do that?” he went on.
I have been bombarded on several occasions by elderly musicians (60 years and above) who ask me how they can get their music on platforms such as youTube, Spotify, streaming services and other platforms as this kind of technology was not available during their teen years.
I keep telling them that the solution to keeping up with the modern world is through reading or employing a younger person to assist you. If not, they have fallen into the ‘over the hill’ category. After the age of 60 most musicians are experiencing what is known in psychology as cognitive decline.
If you are like most Do It Youself (DIY) musicians, there is probably not a whole lot of cash left in the band’s bank account after shelling out for recording, mixing, mastering, duplication, registering your copyright and distribution. But you still have to promote your record, right?
This is where a music video is required in order to properly promote your song or album. You need every dollar you have in order to do this.
Here are a few quick-and-dirty production tips that might come in handy when you are brainstorming ideas for your next low-or- no budget music video.
- Get your friends involved. If not find actors or extras who are willing to work for free via social media. Whatever concept you come up with for your video,, make sure it can be shot quickly on a single day.
- Shoot in one location and make it count. Make the production as simple as possible, especially if you are going to be the main person on camera.
- Discuss everyone’s involvement beforehand such as who is editing, who is bringing snacks and who is in charge of wardrobe, etc.
Take stills during the shoot to share on social media before posting to youTube.
Jah Prayzah is the only artist I have seen in Zimbabwe taking these measures. Most of his videos are today being shot in one location behind his offices and he changes scenes to make one think they were done in different locations. My friend, the late Tendai Mupfurutsa used to spend thousands of dollars to ferry as many as 30 people to Victoria Falls. He spent this money on video camera equipment, transport and accommodation for two nights. He shot very good videos but in the end made very little profit from such a venture.
In today’s digital age, finding high-quality music without breaking the bank is more accessible than ever. With a plethora of websites offering free, legal downloads, music lovers can enjoy their favourite tunes without concerns over copyright infringement or malware risks. The key is knowing which sites are legitimate, safe, and provide diverse catalogues to suit every taste. As of 2026, the landscape continues to evolve, with platforms evolving to meet legal standards while offering a wide range of genres, artists, and formats.
YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. It is a powerful tool and the first place many talent buyers, festival bookers and other music industry professionals will look when considering one’s music for an opportunity. Let’s be honest, we know that most people on youTube are not paying to watch the music videos on their phones, computers or other platforms.
There are various avenues for collecting revenue from youTube.
There is a youTube monetisation programme. Through what is known as content ID system, which properly identifies all the music videos you have uploaded to your own channel. At the end of the day youTube will be able to tell how many views your video has had and will then pay accordingly.
When they find any instance of your music on their free platform, youTube will serve up advertisements on those videos. . Any time advertising revenue is generated from an advert placed on a video containing your music, you earn a share.
Granted, payment from a single advert click or view wont be much to shout about., but in the modern music industry, what your fans do with your music, has real value. Cumulatively, advertisement revenue, through content ID can add up.
This new way of earning money from one’s music, is essential given that physical record sales or CD sales have plummeted.
*Feedback: frezindi @gmail.com