Zima aims high

10 Oct, 2021 - 00:10 0 Views
Zima aims high

The Sunday Mail

Takudzwa Chihambakwe

WHEN the revamped Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) was launched in 2020, many thought it was yet another pop-up event that would quickly vanish into thin air.

However, pessimists have since been proven wrong — it appears the event is here to stay.

One of the reasons behind this sustained run, which has seen ZIMA running even during the ongoing lockdown, is the business approach that is being used by organisers. The ZIMA team is talking numbers and knocking on doors of captains of industry to ensure things run smoothly each year.

Last week, they revealed that the minimum budget for the 2022 edition to be held on February 19 will be US$30 000.

“We are working with a minimum budget of US$30 000. We are still in negotiations with our flagship sponsor PPC regards the final figure, but we are saying that this is our minimum for now,” said ZIMA chief executive officer Reason Sibanda.

The organisers are working hard to bring in more players on board.

“There is always a need to balance the two sides; that is, pleasing the music lovers and giving value back to investors from the business sector who are still trying to understand how things work in the cultural space. We are still trying to lure more investors so that we stage a good event.”

But, how much was used to run the previous edition, which had all the glitz and glamour that lacked in most awards ceremonies in the country?

“The budget for the 2020 edition was an estimated US$40 000. About 60 percent of the money went towards lighting, sound and venue hire,” revealed ZIMA spokesperson Benjamin Nyandoro.

The 2021 edition did not cost much as the event was held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Last year’s event was manageable. However, we did not have much corporate support given the environment then.”

Going forward, Nyandoro revealed that ZIMA now has a well-staffed office that runs business throughout the year.

“We have a partner, BoomCity Advertising, taking care of administration and much of the advertising services. This was their commitment to help ZIMA grow and transition into an institution.”

Another interesting aspect about the awards is where the gongs are made.

“Currently, we have settled for China. In South Africa, we would get the gongs for US$300 per piece, but China is offering us a more customised piece for US$120,” said Nyandoro.

But, have locals failed to produce the gongs?

“You will not get them locally, even South Africa failed to deliver spec for spec. It is possibly not viable for local industries to invest in that direction for a few gongs,” he explained.

ZIMA 2022 will be held under the theme “Rhythm, Roots and Cultural Diversity”.

It is meant to unite Zimbabwe’s diverse musical roots, rhythm and culture under one strong voice and sound.

The event will be a hybrid virtual and physical show. To date, ZIMA has managed to complete building a home for one of Zimbabwe’s celebrated late music icons, Dickson “Cde Chinx” Chinx Chingaira, in Sentosa, Harare. They have also donated groceries and renovated the house of ZIMA 2021 Lifetime Achievers — Cool Crooners — in Bulawayo.

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