Piracy, lack of exposure killing arts sector: Maroweso
SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean RnB artiste Tafadzwa Jonathan Maroweso said piracy and lack of exposure were some of the stumbling blocks affecting up-and-coming musicians in pursuit of their careers.
In a recent interview with NewsDay
Life & Style, Maroweso said although piracy and lack of endorsement had affected his career, he would not give up.
“Being a rising artiste is not that easy as piracy and recognition have left us in the shadow.
“When you release a song, very few people purchase it and technology has given people free access to the music.
“The songs will be pirated and sold on the streets for less,” he said.
“This has left many up-and-coming artistes disheartened and also led to the demise of some fresh talent in the local entertainment industry as you are left with no money and struggle to record again.
“I have tried to utilise platforms such as YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify, but up to now I have not been recognised.”
Maroweso is confident that his forthcoming second album titled Mwana
Wamambo will spur a breakthrough for his musical career, having toiled for the past seven years.
“My life is an inspiration for this album as I believe and have been reminded by family and friends that music is my calling.
“The album is about a boy who has lost his worth, so he is being reminded by society that he must not scrap to survive as he is of royal blood,” he said.
He said his passion for music dates back to his childhood.
“I had a passion for music from childhood where I would listen to songs of Michael Jackson which I felt very connected to,” he said.
“I started performing at Morgan High School when I was doing my Ordinary-Level and in 2014 I became a backing vocalist for gospel artiste Tatenda Masimo and his Family of Faith.
“I then realised that I had grown and decided to record my first album called My Time in 2015.”
The 31-year-old rapper said he was being mentorsed by big names in RnB music to perfect his craft.
“I have been in touch with popular RnB artistes like Taurai Mandebvu, Tendai Kambarami and Nyasha Timbe who have been showing me the ropes on how I can make a breakthrough into this competitive industry,” he said.
“I believe I have acquired enough knowledge and all I need now is a promoter and a good management team that can secure bookings for live concerts.
“I can feel that this is my time for a breakthrough.”
Maroweso has also released singles
Ndiwe Wega, One that Got Away and Heart and Soul.