Bulawayo’s music scene yearns for local support

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe— In the heart of Bulawayo, local music artists are sounding a collective plea for greater domestic recognition and support, as they struggle to make their voices heard amidst the blare of foreign music industries.

Artists have voiced their concerns over the lack of crucial investments, essential infrastructure, and dedicated platforms that would enable their growth and visibility. Musicians lament that local DJs tend to shy away from playing their music due to a lukewarm reception from local audiences.

Ryan Synth, a local music producer and artist, highlighted the unfortunate reality that much of Bulawayo’s music remains largely unheard due to this lack of local support.

He expressed, “Many people may not even know there is such a thing as Bulawayo-produced music, making it challenging for DJs to introduce something unfamiliar at their gigs. As a result, they often opt to play what’s already known and popular (South African music) to avoid the risk of dampening the crowd’s mood.”

Synth also offered an encouraging perspective, emphasizing that Bulawayo artists should not be disheartened by the lack of attention. He suggested that artists should focus on creating music they are genuinely proud of and passionate about, as this authenticity will eventually draw people toward them.

Mncedisi Ncube, known as MJ Sings, echoed the sentiment that powerful marketing and distribution networks of global music labels pose a formidable challenge for local artists. International superstars, with their substantial budgets and polished production values, tend to overshadow local talents. Streaming services, radio stations, and television channels often prioritize foreign artists due to their commercial appeal.

MJ Sings reflected, “Remember how groundbreaking MTV was for the music industry years back? That’s what we need right now. Consumers are currently struggling to connect a face and a name to a song’s artist.”

Local music scenes often serve as vibrant reflections of a region’s cultural diversity and creative brilliance. They embody the authentic voices, stories, and traditions that resonate with their local audiences. These artists encapsulate the heart and soul of their communities, singing songs that reflect the struggles, joys, and traditions of their people. From Afrobeat in Nigeria to Reggae in Jamaica and Amapiano in South Africa, local music stands as a powerful source of identity and pride.

Bhila (real name Patriach W.J. Manyabi), who recently released the new song Mathapelo, underscored the significance of music as culture, something cultivated from an early age. However, he pointed out the lacking of the music industry stating,

“There is no (music) industry currently, but the seeds of what could become a music industry are promising,” Bhila said. “We are very close; we just need the support of corporate(s). I’m urging them to take a risk on us. The potential is enormous, with an abundance of talent and the city’s best music producers.”

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo’s streets, some consumers echoed similar sentiments, expressing the belief that the local music scene lacks creativity. In an interview, Nkazimulo Moyo mentioned her preference for international music, citing its quality and authenticity.

She said, “The sound that comes from Bulawayo is not really appealing, in a way, it sounds the same and it sounds regurgitated content from South Africa. Some of these guys try too hard to sound like international artists. I wouldn’t say Bulawayo has its own original sound and this makes it difficult to prefer Bulawayo music.”

Tanyaradzwa Musukwa also emphasized the lack of creativity and standards in the local music industry, not only in Bulawayo but throughout Zimbabwe.

He noted, “It’s a similar situation in the entire Zimbabwean music industry, where creativity is lacking, and a few dominant giants monopolize the market.”

The plight of Bulawayo’s music scene serves as a reflection of the broader challenges facing local artists in an increasingly globalized music industry. As these artists strive to carve out their unique voices and identities, a united call for greater local support and recognition could prove to be the key to breaking free from the shadows cast by foreign music titans.

By Farai Gosho (@GoshoFarai on X)