HARARE - Information, Media and Broadcasting Services deputy minister Supa Mandiwanzira says Zimbabwean artists will only become big players on the global stage through an aggressive use of information technology.
Mandiwanzira made the remarks at the launch of an online platform for Zimbabwean artists called “ZimArtists — The Global Village” at the Book Café on Tuesday evening.
The new portal for Zimbabwean artists is the brainchild of Collen Magobeya.
“Zimbabwean artists must also be popular in Nigeria just like P Square is in Zimbabwe and Collen’s new website will go a long way in making this happen,” said Mandiwanzira.
“South Korean rapper Psy and Canadian musician Justin Bieber became global sensations because of the Internet.
“The potential of Collen’s project must therefore not be underestimated. We also have many Zimbabweans in the diaspora who are yearning for Zimbabwean content.”
Mandiwanzira was, however, quick to point out that the “ZimArtists — The Global Village” website will only succeed if it is complemented by other initiatives.
“While congratulating Collen on his great website, I would like to encourage him and others to create online platforms on which Zimbabwean musicians can sell their music. As a ministry, we are determined to ensure that Zimbabwean musicians benefit from their creative works.
“We have insisted as a ministry that all Zimbabwean radio stations must pay copyright; they must meet their obligations to the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura).”
The deputy minister, while thanking the Book Café, Pamberi Trust and the European Union for supporting the “ZimArtists — The Global Village” initiative, could not hide his displeasure at the lack of meaningful corporate support for the arts.
“Our beverages companies in particular must support our artists because they are the greatest beneficiaries of the arts,” added Mandiwanzira.
Magobeya, who came up with the idea of creating an online platform for Zimbabwean artists while still based in Australia, is confident that his project will uplift the local arts industry.
“The project has so far profiled 20 artists drawn from different music genres; their live performances, interviews and public appearances and we hope to work with more artists in future,” he said.
“It is important for our artists to learn how to use new media because it gives them the chance to enhance their current projects.”