Beating drugs with beats: Zimbeit Studios offers free recording sessions
ZIMBEIT Studios in Beitbridge is embarking on a campaign offering free recording sessions to upcoming artistes in a move aimed at nurturing young talent and tackling drug abuse in the border town.
Founded last year by Shane Chanyandura and Allen Ngwerume, Zimbeit aims to offer access and opportunity to aspiring young artistes.
In an interview, one of the founders, Chanyandura said they were inspired to create Zimbeit after seeing the challenges that were being faced by the youths in their quest to grow in the music industry.
“Our motivation is in allowing young people to showcase their talent. The average recording fee in Beitbridge is about R250 per session and we realised that most artistes are unemployed and these costs would make it difficult for them to record and showcase their talents.
“This campaign is also aimed at dealing with drug abuse that is rampant in the town through providing opportunities for young people,” said Chanyandura.
He said they were also hosting “Freestyle Fridays”, a vibrant talent hunt where the town’s raw potential takes centre stage.
“We are also hosting an event known as the Freestyle Fridays at Zimbeit Studios and this is where different artistes perform and are judged by the audience. The artistes who win are given free recording sessions and their music is marketed,” said
Shane Chanyandura
Chanyandura.
Chanyandura urged artistes to participate in the promotion and showcase their talents.
“The campaign will run from January to March. We will be offering four rhythms and two video medleys. It is open to every musician in Beitbridge,” he said.
He said they hope to promote music in Beitbridge and ensure that local artistes were supported.
“We hope to help artistes get their music recognised and this will not only be beneficial to them as individuals but it will also raise the flag of our country,” he said.
An artiste, Isaac Matanda popularly known as Zellaman who is part of the artistes that have recorded their music through the Zimbeit studios applauded the initiative stating that it will go a long way in promoting local talent.
“As a young artiste, such opportunities are essential for our growth as they allow us to get several sponsors that will promote our music,” he said.
Another artiste, Xolani Ncube popularly known as Deeray added that this opportunity will keep many youths busy and help in the fight against drug abuse.
“We have financial challenges as youths and opportunities like these are lifechanging as we are now able to record for free. The challenges of drug abuse will be decreased if campaigns like these are done as youths will be kept off the streets,” said Ncube.