Arts Reporter

FOR all the sweat and cost of production of the local comedy Sabhuku Vharazipi, the creative and talented comical figures behind the drama benefitted nothing.
David Mubaiwa the famous Sabhuku Vharazipi character in the drama not only engages himself in the film industry to showcase a talent, but to make ends meet.
And for him, it was fame without fortune.
However, Zimpapers recently donated US$10 000 to help him fight piracy, a scourge that has hit the arts industry.
Presenting the donation, Zimpapers group chief executive officer, Mr Justin Mutasa said the money would assist to reproduce and encrypt DVDs of the drama.
“We want to thank you for the creativity you have shown,” said Mr Mutasa.
“We know that pirates are always going to be there, but we feel that the money will help you.
“We are promoting the 75 percent local content policy and as Zimbabweans, we should free ourselves from the idea that the best films are produced in Hollywood only.”
The donation comes after Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, George Charamba was touched by the hardships faced by ZIYA Cultural Arts Trust in producing Sabhuku Vharazipi and started sourcing financial assistance for the cultural trust.
ZIYA Cultural Arts Trust director, Felix Dzatsunga said the donation will go a long way in fighting piracy.
He said there was need to assist local artistes so that local content and celebrities become appreciated and empowered.
In another development, during a tour of ZiFm Stereo on Tuesday, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo said the Government will clampdown on local radio stations that fail to play 75 percent local content.
“We will not accept them complaining to justify not meeting the requirement,” said Prof Moyo.
“We will punish the organisations that have the privilege to broadcast which only want to give excuses that there is no quality so they are not playing (75 percent local music).”
Prof Moyo said there was need to promote local artistes and create a vibrant music industry in the country.
He said it is imperative for local artistes to produce quality music that meets minimum standards of radio stations.
“We have confidence that our artistes can produce quality music and we want our national artistes to outplay the foreign artistes on the play list,” said Prof Moyo.
“Musicians must also up their game in terms of producing songs that are of commercial standards and commercial quality.”
The Broadcasting Services Act stipulates that all local radio stations should play 75 percent of locally produced music.