Zimbabwe: 'Local is Lekker'

Opinion

Zimbabweans should take a cue from an old South African adage that says, "local is lekker." South Africa is one of the biggest economies in Africa rivaling some of the economies in Europe and even surpassing some like Turkey but they never seem to be awe struck by foreign acts.

The reason I like about South Africans is that no matter how mediocre their music or sport is, they still root for it like no man's business.

The pride and love for their country has given rise to appreciation and growth of local music.

In fact that spirit has rubbed on to our exiles in that country, who believe they are better off than their compatriots just because they are down south. I say this because hero worshiping by fly-by-night promoters and fans when foreign acts come to our country.

It reminds me of my youth days when I thought everything American or foreign was good as I had this mentality that I wasn't good enough. In fact during those days I thought that Michael Jackson bleaching his skin and having plastic surgery was cool.

Our promoters whom we can't curse, as it's their money being used to bring these foreign artistes are letting us down due to their obsession with ordinary acts.

I hear Elephant Man is the next artiste coming to this country soon and as I was looking at his profile, he appears to be an ordinary artiste though he has his flashes of brilliance here and there.

Though a high-octane performer, all hyped up and full of energy as well as sleazy lyrics Elephant Man is just that, and to bring him here I think is a big gamble the promoters will feel in the long run.

Why bring in B rated artistes when the world is awash with A-listers who can really entertain the masses like what we saw when the great Beenie Man or Buju Banton did when they came here?

Up to now old timers still talk about the Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel as well as Tracy Chapman shows which have remained etched in their minds. Some have even forgotten that Maxi Priest or even Brick and Lace were here just last year.

Yes, we want tourists but for them to masquerade as serious musicians is a bit unfair to the music-starved public.

What I mean is some of these artistes are being brought here to make easy money for some fast thinking promoters who have this "kiya Kiya" mentality.

Our own dancehall icon Winky D is on a conquering mission in Babylon and is doing wonders in those parts of the world and word coming to these shores say the man is blazing them down in no ordinary way.

Don't Matter – Akon Piano Cover | Learn How to Play Piano

David Sides playing a piano cover of "Don’t Matter" by Akon. This song is available on iTunes: Song Description: "Don’t Matter" is a pop–R&B song recorded by Akon for his second studio album Konvicted (2006). The song was released as the album’s third single in early 2007. In April 2007, it became Akon’s first solo . number-one single and second number-one overall. A crucial part of the chorus takes from Bob Marley’s 1979 classic "Zimbabwe". The bridge also borrows the melody from R. Kelly’s song "Ignition (Remix)". This song was #31 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. This song was also #81 on MTV Asia’s list of Top 100 Hits of 2007.

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