| Business struggle as economic crisis deepens - Tuku |
| Monday, 30 June 2008 03:42 |
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The economic meltdown in Zimbabwe has put paid to numerous business efforts. Zimbabwean artists and the showbiz sector generally – the clubs, restaurants and other entertainment joints have not been spared the ravages of this southern African nation’s worst economic crisis. In the following interview based on questions submitted to Tuku Music recently by Michael Muvondori from South Africa, ahead of the Grahamstown Jazz Festival where Tuku performed on Friday and Saturday 4/5 July, the Zimbabwean superstar spoke, among other issues, about how the moribund economy had impacted the arts negativelly. Question: Is there any relationship between your life and your music? Tuku: I can’t separate the two. Music is my life and life is making music. Question: How do you categorise your music - Which genre? Tuku: It is African music though my fans at home prefer to call it Tuku Music. Question: What motivates you to keep on producing music? Tuku: Inspiration...I get it from people. As long as there are people there is always something to talk about. And if there is something to talk about, there is something to sing about. Question: What is your favorite album and song? Tuku: If my song doesn’t convince me, then you don’t get to hear it. Question: How many albums have you released and which one is the best seller? Tuku: As for the best seller, I wouldn’t know offhand but I have 56 albums. Question: What does it mean to be Zimbabwean artists? Tuku: It would mean an African artist born off Zimbabwe. Question: How is your music business affected by the Zimbabwean economy? Tuku: Like any other business, it is affected badly. Question: I understand you are involved in other Projects such as Pakare Paye Arts Centre. How are these projects affected by the Zimbabwean economy? Tuku: Artistically Pakare Paye Arts Centre (based in Norton – 45 km west of Harare) is doing well but economically its bad. Question: How do you sustain your business in a hostile economic environment? Tuku: By playing it by the day, plan by the day - but its tough…it is a struggle. Question: How does the situation in Zimbabwe motivates or de-motivates you to keep making music? Tuku: It is the way we live that makes us have something to talk about and have something to express through our art. Question: Any future plans? Tuku: Yes, I will be releasing my new album Dairai and will soon be shooting a short story movie Ndichirimudiki. Question: How do you see the future of Jazz music particularly in Zimbabwe? Tuku: No one can stop the growth of art…I see jazz at a higher level in Zimbabwe. Question: Any word of advice to fellow Zimbabwean artists? Tuku: Be proud of who you are, the world is looking for your music…so be who you are. Question: Advice to international artists? Tuku: Lets share what we are and the world will appreciate who we are and learn we are one people. Come and perform in Zimbabwe. – tukumusic.com |
