The Sunday Mail
ASPIRING but financially stressed musicians are benefiting from a newly created events and promotions company, ZimPride Entertainment, which is offering them assistance.
The company, which is set to be officially launched at City Sports Bar in Harare on October 13, is barely a year old but has already assisted scores of upcoming artistes to record and launch their albums and singles.
Under the deal, one gets assistance in securing recording contracts with studio time paid for. Also, the company sources and organises shows for artistes under their wings, helps with logistics (transport and accommodation) and marketing among other things.
Founder of ZimPride, Nyasha Simbayi aka Wekwasimbayi, notes they are a complete package that will result in the creation of several stars.
“We believe in everyone’s dream and we are here to make those dreams come true,” says Simbayi.
ZimPride’s plans are in sync with that of the Devine Assignments-owned club, City Sports Bar, which is currently promoting upcoming artistes and helping faded giants re-discover lost form through the popular Monday Jam Sessions.
One of ZimPride beneficiaries, Samuel Mubaiwa whose stage name is Gwenyambira Sam, will be launching his debut album “Ngoma Inenge Ronda” on October 17 at the aforementioned club.
The album launch will be graced by Progress Chipfumo.
“Days before the launch, we will conduct road shows in different suburbs in Harare. Also, the event coincides with the release of a supporting riddim called ZimPride.
“An upcoming producer called T-Levels of Fire Strings Records is behind the project. More than 80 artistes (60 upcoming) feature on the project that we entirely funded,” revealed Simbayi.
“ . . . but we have also assisted Collette Hodera, aka Jah Victory, launch his debut album ‘Mukuru Mukuru’, although he is not part of ZimPride. Seasoned producers like Maselo and Spicey D Productions are helping us identify talent.”
Other artistes that have or are currently working with the company include Klipper Ndoro, Daddy Tally, Ray Cee, Jah Lots, Baluchy, Messenger, MP Soulja, Jay Lee and Minister Mikud, among others.
But how does the company recover its costs?
“A website and Facebook page was created for people to contact us but we at times physically meet some of the artistes in various studios. Our focus is on talented artistes that are ignored due to lack of funding,” said Simbayi.
“Contracts are issued to selected artistes that we believe in since we also do artiste management and grooming. It’s our duty to make sure they reach stardom because the services they receive in promoting and marketing are free of charge.
“They will only pay for the cost of recordings that we foot for them when they make it.”
Outside music promotion, ZimPride also organises corporate functions, weddings, birthday bashes and celebrations of all sorts.
The Chitungwiza-born and bred upcoming promoter is currently based in South Africa, Cape Town and her Zimbabwe operations are managed by Edith Mukundidza.
