Fast rising gospel musician, Norman Chimutasha who sings with the Heroes of Faith band, urged fellow musicians to embrace technology and start marketing their music through social media.
By Best Masinire
Chimutashu says adopting new information communication technology serves as a way of staying afloat in the music industry.
“I have come to understand that marketing is the missing link in our Zimbabwean music industry but social media is one platform, if used properly, can do wonders in one`s music career.
“The sad thing, however, is that many musicians haven’t risen to the occasion and are still using and relying on the old ways of marketing,” he said
Chimutashu who is basking in the glory of his first album, Yambirio which was produced by veteran music producer, Clive Mukundu at Monolio Studios says some artists lack consistence in promoting their work on social media.
“Social media requires commitment and effort but some musicians are too busy to use these various platforms which include Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram.
“As for me, I can safely say I wouldn’t be where I am now in terms of the strides I have made in promoting my music if it wasn’t for social media,” he said
The Msasa Park based crooner also says gospel musicians should take advantage of the increase of churches and market their music in various church denominations.
“Apart from social media, gospel musicians should also take advantage of the plurality of churches and market themselves in churches.
“For any gospel artist who is serious of spreading the word and building their brand, it is imperative for them also to make sure that they are doing shows and their music is playing on radio,” he said
Born in 1991, Nomarn Chimutashu began his music career when he was in grade 5 at Seke 6 Primary School in Chitungwiza singing in the school choir.
In 2007 when he was in form 3 he joined the Chitungwiza Harmony Singers and he says that was the turnaround of his music career as he learnt a lot from the choral group.
In 2008 he formed a 12-member outfit, Heroes of Faith, and recorded their first album, Yambiro, last year at Monolio Studios.
The album carries songs such as Yambiro, Jesu ane Simba, Zvino Uri papi, Muri Mutsvene and Chimbo Cherudo.
Currently, Chimutashu and his band are working on their second album which will be out early next year.
