'Bulawayo support your own artists,' says Charamba

Veteran gospel musician Charles Charamba says the Bulawayo music industry has the ability to wake up from its deep slumber if they receive support from City of Kings residents.

The Machira Chete singer, who held a very successful gospel show in Bulawayo two weeks ago, urged thousands who attended his show to support local musicians.

"Please rally behind local musicians," said Charamba amid raucous approval from his fans.

"They need you and without you they can't be anything."

The gospel star who shared the stage with two Bulawayo-based upcoming gospel musicians Pastor Joyce and Mai Mangwiro, said it was part of his new plan to showcase local musicians wherever he goes to perform in Zimbabwe.

"It is in our wish to work with local musicians but all we want to encourage them is the issue of persistence and determination. It is a fact that we have a lot of talent here in Bulawayo and that talent should not just be left to waste," Charamba told the Daily News.

"While a lot of reasons maybe put back and forth as to why some of them have failed to hit the mark, the key issue in this adverse music industry is to work hard and continue retain a positive attitude," he said.

The Nyika yeZimbabwe artiste wants Bulawayo musicians to learn from afro jazz musician Jeys Marabini.
 
"If all artistes were to be like Jeys I tell you Bulawayo could not be what it is today musically. Bulawayo musicians should be as resolute as Jeys is. Honestly, if you were to be asked to list top Zimbabwean musicians you can't leave Jeys out.

"It's not about the place where one is based but about the confidence, desire to be outstanding and bravery to achieve what you want and be what you want," he added.

Charamba said Bulawayo musicians should get inspiration from the late Solomon Skuza and the self-exiled Lovemore Majaivana whose natural talents captured the imagination and support of music fans throughout Zimbabwe.