How the economy of Zimbabwe has affected the music industry.

Zimbabwe’s current political and economic crisis has destroyed the once vibrant music industry. The fuel shortage, coupled with the recent destruction of the informal sector has left the musician poorer. “The industry is dying slowly.

Several artists have left Zimbabwe in search for greener pastures in  the music industry. Artists who were once popular were earning peanuts in Zimbabwe and they were left with no choice but to move to countries like South Africa.

The Three kings who were once known for their popular Iseqamabhilidi song have moved to the Republic of South Africa. They mentioned in their interview recently that its hard to live on music when you are an artist from Zimbabwe.

Music thus turns out to be a hobby done during one's spare time. It is not like any other ordinary job where you wait for  your pay cheque to come in.

One is supposed to be determined to be in the industry if they want to be successful. Being in a country where the economy is not performing so well makes it hard for one to survive. In general, Zimbabwean musicians have never sold anything near the million mark.

In America, The music industry is part of a creative community that collectively exports more than $125 billion each year, fueling American jobs while energizing mp3 players and dance floors around the world. The following studies provide insight into the music business' tremendous economic and cultural contributions.

Oliver Mtukudzi

Cynthia Mare

In the Zimbabwean context its a whole disturbing scenario as issues like piracy, and lack of support of artists is leading to just a few gains which only sustain artists and do not contribute much to the economy of the country.

Nowadays any musician in Zimbabwe can launch or release their music. Really? The question is what happens after the release? The hard reality is far from the truth. At best musicians will only be able to use their newly released CD as a marketing tool for live shows. The bottom line is ‘for an artist in Zimbabwe, a CD is as good as a business-card’ – a press kit.

 In reality, Zimbabwean musicians are slowly accepting the fact that they can only make a living from live gigs and other promotional activities. Music CD sales are thin and far between. When the numbers are added up, one can be empathetic with the audience. Here’s why. A local CD costs upwards of US$10, entrance to any show in Zimbabwe will set one back about US$5 and US$2 for local beer. Patrons are therefore left with little else to spare.

Granted, artists that have made a comfy lifestyle in post-2008 Zimbabwe have clearly not done so on the strength of their music sales. For instance, Urban Groover, Stunner made the seemingly ‘good lifestyle’ he enjoys today due to his business relationship with mobile phone manufacturer G-Tide Zimbabwe. Extensive performances on the Harare live circuit and the popularity of his anthem tune Team Hombe have also been a plus for his image and have enhanced his earning potential as an artist with a big ‘people appeal’.

http://www.reverbnation.com/cynthiamare