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Live shows the way to go

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THE scourge of piracy continues to cripple the music industry and live musical shows have become artistes’ best method of getting any revenue for their work.
Advancement of technology has not only made life easier for artistes but a bane as it has also fuelled piracy.
With sellers of pirated music lurking at every corner, very little money has found its way into the pockets of the artistes.
According to music critic Tyler Hayes in an article in Hypebot, a music journal: “Talking about music piracy has become an exercise in self-deprecation, an emotional argument that never seems to end.
I understand that music piracy is a real issue, it hurts a lot of people, and it still exists, but we’re now at the point where it’s been talked to death, and then some.
The music industry isn’t a goldmine, it isn’t a lucrative industry to somehow find yourself in, but artistes should no longer be the victims of piracy.
There isn’t a ‘four-steps to beating piracy guide’, but we might as well start at the beginning. Prepare a game plan for your music.
Figure out what path you want to take with your music and then stick to it.
Do you want to get your music out in the world trying to get the most people to hear it, or do you need to make a monetary return on your recording investment?
If you need to make a return, don’t give away your music for free, expecting some people to pay or donate.”
And clearly this is what has been lacking in the music industry — innovative strategies to beat piracy.
Locally, a well-marketed and promoted live show has become the best bet for an artiste to earn a living out of his/her labour.
It is through live shows musicians can diversify their revenue streams as they begin to attract the attention of the corporate sector and other stakeholders.
Sungura artiste Edmore Madhangi, who goes by the stage name ‘Danke Power’, is among musicians who have resorted to live shows to improve their fortunes.
With just three albums to his name, the musician who came onto the music scene in 2008 is yet to venture in the live-show arena.
Only recently has the artiste begun to hold live shows.
Speaking to Patriot Arts, Madhangi said he had begun live-shows to increase his visibility.
Madhangi fronts for Nyaningwe Express, a seven-member band from Chivi, Masvingo.
The artiste, born in 1972 in Maturure Village, Chivi, released his first six-track album Tisvikewo in 2008, Tinevimbo (2013) and Sungura Xplosion (2016).
With stiff competition in the music industry many careers have suffered a stillbirth.
“I am trying to establish myself in the industry, by staging live shows,” he said.
“It is difficult to get mileage if you do not put yourself out there.”
The musician said, it took a lot of energy, dedication and commitment to stage live shows.
Live shows which exhibit the amount of work that goes into the creation of catchy melodies has resulted in the growth of fan bases and appreciation of artistes.
The passion, energy and sweat exhibited by Baba Sharo has led to increased appreciation of his music and creation of a loyal fan base that has stood by the musician.
Madhangi said he was being supported by veteran musician Gift Amuli, who gave him the opportunity to be a supporting act at Joy Centre, Machipisa, last month.
He also featured in the line-up of musicians who graced Amuli’s album launch.
The Chivi-bred musician conceded that a live performance is no easy task.
“I was nervous at first but I soon learnt that live performance is all about stage presence,” Madhangi said.
“I also realised that incorporating dancers in a band helps the musician connect with revellers.”
The musician’s third album titled Sungura Xplosion carries six tracks, ‘Wandikanya’, ‘Hauchadi Kutamba neni’, ‘Spotie spotie’, ‘Chikende’, ‘Chimiro’ and ‘Muroora’.
Produced by the veteran, Jabulani Ndlovu, the album is a social commentary that tackles day-to-day issues.
While live shows are the way to go, musicians have bemoaned lack of enthusiasm among promoters to support upcoming artistes.
A promoter who spoke on condition of anonymity said it did not make business sense to support acts that do not attract huge crowds.
“Promoting musicians is a business, therefore it is wise to organise a show for a musician who can guarantee us better returns,” he said.
The economic crunch has severely affected all sectors.
Prominent promoter Patson Chimboza is on record bemoaning the poor returns which are nowhere near investments made.
However, artistes continue to forge ahead, with the innovative ones attracting respectable crowds.

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