AT the beginning of the new millennium, the nation was taken by storm in what was a career-defining period for budding musicians.
A music genre called Urban Grooves was born and immediately became popular with young artistes.
It is a genre that gave rise to a number of artistes.
Without doubt, and years later, urban grooves remains one of the genres that saw a number of artistes bursting on the music scene, courtesy of the advent of the 100 percent local content policy implemented as the artistes enjoyed more air play.
Musicians who include Innocent Utsiwegota, the twins Roy and Royce, David Chifunyise, Betty Makaya, Shame and Nathan, among others, almost became permanent chart toppers.
These musicians became ‘kings and queens’ who dominated the local music industry.
But, just like any other story, their glory came to an end as a new genre, Zim-dancehall, emerged.
Like the Urban Grooves, Zim-dancehall genre is now dominating the local charts.
Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Busy Signal, Killer T, Seh Calaz and Lady Squanda, among others, have become many peoples’ favourites.
Both genres, Urban Grooves and Zim-dancehall, are largely dominated by youths whose deep lyrics epitomise the day-to-day lives of the ghetto.
Interestingly, both Urban Grooves and Zim-dancehall artistes emerged from the ghettos around the country.
Their success has largely been a result of the availability of affordable recording studios.
Some opine that a number of young musicians who became popular in both genres could not have made it without cheap and affordable studios in the ghettos.
The rise of the genres meant the opening up of avenues for a number of producers.
The rise of dancehall has resulted in the establishment of a number of recording studios in the country.
Crucially, the availability of an affordable recording studio at the corner has made the life of musicians easier.
These studios come in different shapes and sizes.
Many are not fancy, with some made up of just a computer and a keyboard but, on the whole, they play a crucial role in making and shaping the dreams of the young artistes.
Patriot Arts caught up with Kudakwashe Lewis Gwanzura, also known as Boss Gyver, of Green Gate Studios in Kuwadzana to share his story of a recording studio in the ghetto.
For the 30-year-old Gwanzura, his studio has played a crucial role in promoting young musicians who have a passion for music.
“We have given upcoming artistes an opportunity to fulfill their dreams in music and helping them to market their product (sic),” he said.
Gwanzura, who was once a club DJ, also said the idea to open a studio was inspired after many aspiring musicians approached him for advice with regards recording.
Green Gate Studios has been operating since 2015.
Gwanzura has worked with a number of musicians from different genres.
Artistes he has worked with include gospel artiste Pax Gomo, Robie Mandiki a gospel sungura musician and Zim-dancehall artistes such as Eddylino, Vivium, Ice Queen, Yombree man and Dhadza Dee, among others.
Gwanzura said he also offered assistance to talented artistes who cannot afford studio time by offering them a free service.
“We have some artistes who are signed with our studio whom we have offered affordable monthly subscriptions that allow an artiste to record a single track every week,” Gwanzura said.
“We have also selected and signed with talented artistes who cannot afford studio time so that we assist in marketing their products.”
However, Gwanzura said there is need for local radio stations to promote upcoming artistes by playing their music.
“There is a lot of talent out there but a combined effort is needed through local radio stations playing music by upcoming artistes to ensure development of the music industry.”