‘We are building Gramma Records for our generation’

Standard Style
Fledgling music label Big Bass Entertainment is taking advantage of the nationwide lockdown to put in place systems for a much bigger role that will see them facilitate local musicians to maximize on digital platforms and earn more from their artistic efforts, the stables management has pledged.

By Kennedy Nyavaya

Fledgling music label Big Bass Entertainment is taking advantage of the nationwide lockdown to put in place systems for a much bigger role that will see them facilitate local musicians to maximize on digital platforms and earn more from their artistic efforts, the stables management has pledged.

Established in Harare last August, Big Bass has caught the attention of many as a result of enterprising concepts like Ndipe Mic that have helped bring young artistes to the fore.

Speaking to Standard Style in a phone interview, projects manager Kudakwashe Manyore said although the lockdown had delayed their initial plan, it had given them more time to engage artistes and structure ways for them to reap lucrative profits off digital platforms.

“We had the opportunity to meet with some artists, especially those upcoming from ghettos who were telling us their concerns and how record labels can help to improve their livelihoods,” said Manyore

“We managed to educate some of them about the importance of being online and going digital in terms of distribution so that they can get royalties especially in times like this when there are no shows or other outdoor activities, which can generate revenue.”

According to Manyore, while they already have a handful of artistes signed under them, they are focusing on the ultimate goal to be one of the biggest labels in Zimbabwe.

“We once had the likes of Gramma Records, ZMC and Ngaavongwe Records, who helped a lot of artistes to sell worldwide and make a living. So we want to be the Gramma Records of our age in the Zimbabwean context,” he said adding that they were also drawing inspiration from successful stables across the world.

Meanwhile, with big plans stalled by the lockdown, Manyore bemoaned the time lost during this period as having derailed their initial short-term plans.

“We are not able to do any bookings since our studios are located in the city centre. We had projects, which were supposed to be released, but failed because we couldn’t finish them as we were not working,” lamented Manyore.

“Our online TV shows stopped as we are not able do any production meaning all income generating activities stopped and this also affected our artistes who rely on the label.”

Inadequate investment into the local music industry has seen yesteryear recording labels folding, with new school stables struggling to stay afloat in the sector.