Trust Khosa
UK-BASED reggae promoter-cum-sound system advocate, Elder Farai Shambare, has hailed Buju Banton for backing his vision.
Shambare, who flew back into the country for the finalisation of his sound clash set for next month, has been alternating between London and Kingston to share tips with the finest reggae crooners.And, one such person who has made him feel at home in the Caribbean Island, is the Jamaican reggae/dancehall stalwart Buju.Shambare’s relationship with Buju started in 1997 when the Gargamel Boss visited Zimbabwe.
Since then, the two have been together and plans are underway to start a new label in Zimbabwe as well as reviving the sound systems culture.“It feels good to be back home after a while and I am here to assess a number of programmes we are embarking on.“One of the main projects I want to start in Zimbabwe is setting up a big sound system as well as a label called Goldston in Harare together with my friend Buju Banton.“I always travel to Jamaica where were are in constant touch dating back to the year 1997 when he came to Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Small Axe Sound boss, who is determined to revive the old culture, believes it’s never too late for local artists to do their job in a professional manner.“Under our stable, which comes into effect next year, we want our artists to produce quality music, which can be consumed overseas.“As a reggae player, there is a lot that still needs to be done to ensure that our artists’ works are handled by professionals.“The only challenge we have in Zimbabwe at the moment is that we have many recording studios and not labels where artists are signed, marketed and even paid well.”Locally, he hailed the likes of Chillspot for trying to change the narrative.
“In Zimbabwe, there are quite a number of artists who are doing well like Chillspot Records, Seh Calaz and the late Soul Jah Love who could have done better but we still have plenty to learn,” he said.