Musician says artists need more support

MARTIN NYIRENDA
Correspondent | Wednesday February 3, 2010 00:00

Teacher Moyo, whose first eight track album entitled Lenyalo and released in 2002 continues to appeal to local music lovers, has disclosed that government should create a formidable platform to enable local artists to excel in the music industry. Appropriately rhymed, Lenyalo explores the true meaning of wedding activities and also looks at the significance of the institution in Botswana.   Moyo, aged 26 and a Serowe-born musician, further contends that lack of resources and support to generate public awareness of recordings has become a challenge in promoting local talent.

He decries, with a sense of concern: 'It is high time that relevant authorities move in to address this problem. A lot of Batswana have the potential to write, compose and sing their own original music,  but sadly lack the desired support to even launch their CDs.  'There is need for a deliberate strategy that would help authorities come up with a data bank of upcoming or little-known musicians and facilitate them to excel in the industry like in other developed communities where music is highly regarded as a money-spinner venture'. He challenged government institutions to adequately make use of local artists especially during national events such as World AIDS Day and other related activities, saying this would inspire more Batswana to explore their talent. He said that musicians are the right candidates to spread news about socio-economic woes besetting any society hence authorities should promote unknown musicians in utilizing their talents. He said that most young musicians are performing dismally in their careers because of poor marketing, as they need their music to be appreciated by the local consumer.

He pointed out that one of the many challenges facing the industry, especially among upcoming musicians, was lack of managers. He charged: 'We are managing ourselves and it is not that easy to succeed in such a situation and it is a challenge for some of us to spread the message about the socio-ills besetting our society through the power of music, as you know music unifies people of diverse and different cultures.'  Moyo, who performs under the stage name 'G-Storm', says his new nine-track album called Next Door has already been released but he was now faced with the challenge of creating awareness for the official launch. Moyo, popularly known as 'Tich' announced that the new album revolves around pertinent social issues affecting the ordinary man and woman in Botswana. Next Door explores issues of alcohol abuse among societal players, especially the future generation and also addresses the culture of uniting people of different colour, creed and socio-economic backgrounds.

Released on CD and cassette, the album promises to be a hit coming from an upcoming musician as it also looks at the diverse cultural undertones inherent in contemporary Botswana.