A NUMBER of premier arts festivals have been lined up for the last quarter of 2023.
It is this time of the year when artists get a great opportunity to make money ahead of the festive season.
The reckless ones also make headlines for squandering their earnings on unnecessary stuff.
Revellers also get an opportunity to watch some of the best acts in showbiz.
Yesterday marked the return of the 13th Shoko Festival in Harare and Chitungwiza.
The three-day fête is a celebration of quality music, spoken word, poetry and visual arts.
The important aspect of this festival is networking and creating some synergies.
South African World Poetry Slam champion, Xabiso Vili, will grace the event.
Botswana’s Afro-star Jordan Moozy has been roped into the line-up.
On the local front, both seasoned and emerging stars are also part of the bill.
After this fête, attention will then shift to the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival (SJMF) next month.
It takes place from October 6-8 at Old Hararians Sports Club.
Top South African acts, led by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Black Motion and Judith Sephuma will serenade fans in Harare.
Local artists, who are eager to learn one or two things, should also attend this fête.
Those who have been included in the line-up should fully utilise such opportunities.
A week after the SJMF, Kadoma will host the annual Kadoma Music Festival at the Odyssey on October 14.
A star-studded line-up, led by Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Makhadzi, will grace the event.
Launched last year, the festival has managed to put the City of Gold on the international map as well as boosting domestic tourism.
From December 29-31, the Victoria Falls Mapopoma Festival concludes the showbiz calendar.
Judging by the nature of these festivals, the last quarter of 2023 should be eventful.
Artists, who have made it into these festivals, should put to good use such opportunities.
Besides cashing in on such festivals, this is the right time for our artists to create lasting memories and networks.
The power of networking should never be underestimated.
Our artists should also utilise such events for collaborations with other big stars.
Superstar Jah Prayzah is now big on the continent because of collaborations.
He has collaborated with world-renowned stars, including Jah Cure, Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Davido, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi also made it into the elite league of icons as a result of proper networking with the best.
Several youthful stars like Nutty O are also reaping the rewards of collaborations and networking after performing at such big events.
Talent alone is not enough and our creatives should also learn from the best and learn to be patient all the time.
Professionalism and passion are important in this industry and are both needed by our artists for them to excel in their careers.
These festivals should leave our domestic music industry richer.