Music stable in gender equality fight

Standard People
LOCAL music producer and co-owner of Vision 5 Stable, Tony “Tony Kays” Kanyemba is set to launch a campaign themed Mind My Voice against gender stereotypes and inequalities prevailing in the music industry.

BY KIMBERLY KARIATI

LOCAL music producer and co-owner of Vision 5 Stable, Tony “Tony Kays” Kanyemba is set to launch a campaign themed Mind My Voice against gender stereotypes and inequalities prevailing in the music industry.

Tony Kays told NewsDay Life & Style that the campaign, set for June, was mainly focused on women with the aim to promote female participation in music, protection of their rights and increase awareness on sexual harassment.

“Art allows freedom of expression and over the years  I have seen an increased number of females entering the art space, but certain gender stereotypes still exist. We seek to use music to ignite conversations which will make people question these inequalities,” he said.

“It is time women make their voice heard through compositions as testimonies on the kind of problems that they have encountered in the industry. This campaign will ensure that the future of up-and-coming artistes is bright in terms of artistic and financial independence.”

He said the campaign would also cover females in other art sectors as oppression has been prevalent across the sectors.

“My desire is to see more women find independence on home soil as women. To ensure that the campaign is a success, we are going to invite corporates and organisations championing gender equality and also others in sculpting, painting, drama, poetry and all other arms of the arts,” he said.”

Tony Kays said at Vision 5 Stable they were working with a number of artistes from different cities.

“We have done a couple of singles in collaboration with Masvingo-based producer King Chief and we are also working with Bulawayo-based musician Sabina Chivasa, Masvingo-based rapper, songwriter and model Nomonde Mare who have two different stories based on their experiences in the industry,” he said.

“The two ladies share a passion in highlighting women issues using their distinct sound.”

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