THERE are musicians in the country who release an album almost every year, but their works go unnoticed.
One wonders where their music is played.
This is the predicament which most local musicians find themselves in.
A number of artistes have released more than 20 albums, yet revellers only connect them with that one hit, sung years ago.
That one song has become the identifying mark of the musicians.
One of such musicians is Somandla ‘Mafia’ Ndebele.
Beyond doubt, the musician is a veteran, but when it comes to compositions, the musician is more famous for his yesteryear songs.
His journey in the music industry can be traced back to the late 1980s.
His is a career spanning more than 25 albums, but only a handful of songs from that massive output are known to revellers.
The musician has been in the limelight, but only with a few songs compared to his output.
Hits such as ‘Wakandidadira’, ‘Masimba aMwari’ and ‘Nditungamirirei’ catapulted him into the limelight.
Although the musician has been consistent in churning out new material for his fans, it appears his older works are more appreciated than what he is presently producing.
One local promoter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the music industry is dynamic hence attention must be paid to churning out better products.
“Some musicians have existed in the industry for a long time yet their music is not making an impact therefore it is difficult to promote a show which will likely attract very few revellers,” said one promoter.
Another example of a musician who has been in the industry for ages is Nicholas ‘Madzibaba’ Zachariah.
With 26 albums to his name, Madzibaba has earned himself respect for not only being a mentor to several musicians, but a veteran in the music circles.
The irony is, although being labelled a veteran, fans connect with him with only a few hits yet he has consistently released new works.
Despite churning out many great songs, it seems fans are more interested in his older works.
And despite being talented, Madzibaba has not made the impact made by fellow artistes like Alick Macheso and Oliver Mtukudzi, among others.
Many songs by the likes of Macheso, who for years starved his fans, are appreciated.
Fans have in fact demanded more new staff from the sungura ace.
First Farai is another example of a musician with quite a number of albums under his belt, 10 to be specific, yet only a few of his songs are known.
The albums include Pahasha, Ngingongingo, Simba Racho and Paida Moyo, among others.
Farai has made a name for himself, aping artistes like the late Tongai ‘Dhewa’ Moyo.
Other artistes who find themselves in the same predicament are Levers Mutamba and Rodrick Chemudhara, both now based in the UK.
Mutamba has 13 albums to his name and yet little is known about him, but he soldiers on.
Chemudhara, a former guitarist to the late John Chibadura’s Tembo Brothers, recorded nine albums after Chibadura’ s death, but his music failed to make an impact.
Experts opine musicians should be experimental and deviate from their traditional genres.
“It is always a good idea to try something different rather than sticking to a style that is not getting you anywhere,” said a local promoter.
The musicians, who are failing to make an impact in the music circles, should take a cue from Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave who switched from the genre of gospel to dancehall.
The move saw Fungisai getting back to the top of her game, highlighting the need for continual transformation in the music industry.