Blessing Shumba hails community radio stations

Dennis Chimanzi

MUTARE-based musician-cum-preacher Blessing Shumba has hailed the Government’s move to establish community radio stations throughout the country.

The veteran gospel singer said before the establishment of community radio stations, musicians based outside Harare struggled to get airplay.

Shumba, who is now a pastor, said the decentralisation of radio stations has brought with it language and cultural diversity.

“Before the introduction of community radio stations, we all looked forward to having our music played on the few national radio stations that were there at the time,” he said

“For us in Mutare, we now have Diamond FM, which is doing a great job in promoting local artistes.”

Shumba also hailed the establishment of the Nyangani FM in Nyanga.

“Musicians based in Nyanga and some parts of Makoni district are finding it relatively easy for their music to be played on the local radio station.

“Due to decentralisation of radio stations, more and more musicians are now coming forward to record their music since they are assured that it will be played,” he added.

According to Shumba, the decentralisation of radio stations has helped ease
congestion at the country’s national stations.

Shumba said he is going to launch his next album at Diamond FM.

He described Diamond FM as his “home ground”.

“Launching our album is going to be very easy. If it was in the past, we would have travelled to Harare for the launch. This was not only time-consuming but also very expensive.”

Community radio stations,  Shumba said, can be effectively used as a talent-identification tool.

“We have upcoming musicians who went on to become national stars after their music was first played on community radio stations. In my view, more and more community radio stations must be introduced.”