Story by Colette Musanyera
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is leading the way in honouring musicians who keep the national broadcaster ticking with artists who topped the charts at the end of the year smiling all way home this Wednesday.
The top three musicians from ZBC’s National FM, Power FM, Radio Zimbabwe and Classic 263 were rewarded with Gold Discs while those who topped the charts received 65-inch television sets courtesy of the national broadcaster.
The musicians include Sungura ace Alick Macheso, his protégé Mark Ngwazi and Leo Magozz of the Fire Emoji fame.
Living up to its moniker Huruyadzo, Radio Zimbabwe rewarded 10 musicians who made it into the top ten with prize money courtesy of Glow Petroleum, which saw sungura maestro Alick Macheso who took pole position, walking away US$2 000 richer.
ZBC Director Radio Services Mr Robson Mhandu reckons such incentives motivate musicians to continue producing quality music.
“Artistes play a big role in the country and music is a huge driver for our programming. We worked with sponsors like Glow Petroleum on this initiative. These incentives promote, motivate and cement relationships between the national broadcaster and musicians.”
ZBC Chief Executive Officer Ms Adelaide Chikunguru noted the need for the government and the corporate world to continue funding the music industry, which is key in culture preservation. “Artists put in a lot of hard work for us to have good music at the end of the day. For the arts industry to bloom corporates and government should continue funding the industry. Our ethos die without culture. Musicians are trying their best, so they need our support. The industry protects us from cultural imperialism. The industry can also be turned into a multibillion industry which can contribute to NDS1.”
On Classic 263, United States-based reggae musician King Isaac took pole position, while Leo Magozz of the Fire Emoji fame was Number One on Power Fm.
Sungura musician Mark Ngwazi occupied first position on National FM with Nyaradzo Yababa which earned him a TV set and a Gold disc, while Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso was number One on Radio Zimbabwe.
Other winners who made it into Radio Zimbabwe’s Top ten list include Ras Nox, Andrea the vocalist, Dorcas Moyo, Tryson Chimbetu, Simon Mutambi and Tembo brothers, who all walked away with prize money.
