In a bid to encourage professional management of local bands, arts organisation Savannah Trust last week engaged Sulumani Chimbetu’s Orchestra Dendera Kings in an insightful workshop at a local hotel.
BY SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
Savannah Trust invited speakers that include National Arts Council’s Nicholas Moyo and board member Dudu Manhenga, Christopher Timbe, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Operating Officer Givemore Chidzidzi, Information minister Webster Shamu and Melody Zambuko to the workshop.
The speakers explored various topics regarding the professionalisation of the music business.
Timbe spoke on the strength of branding, pointing out to its benefits.
He said one’s character and relationships make up a brand and urged performers to put their best effort each time they got onto the stage.
Dudu lectured on the image of an artist. She focused on the perception that people get from an artist’s behaviour.
Shamu, who is also the patron of the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians, showered Savannah Trust director Daniel Maphosa with praises for organising the workshop.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
He said the workshop is a process that needed to be encouraged. “You must continue to strive to raise the bar even higher,” said Shamu.
“You have a very important role to play as it creates a base of life, professionalism and the development of music and the arts in general.”
Chidzidzi spoke on the relationship of his association with the arts industry.
He cited the benefit that Orchestra Dendera Kings has earned by working with ZTA particularly the Seychelles tour which saw the band performing at a carnival for the first time.
Moyo spoke on arts as a business targeting the management side. He stated the importance of new media and the need to harnessing it. He challenged the band to use Facebook, Twitter and e-texting to keep their fan base updated.
The eloquent speaker challenged the management to start crafting contracts for the band members to ensure that none of the parties is short changed.
Sulu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Savannah Trust that will see the two parties partnering for various arts ventures.
Speaking after the signing ceremony Maposa promised his organisation’s full support to Sulu and his band. He said the band would get trained in various aspects of their field of their work.
