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Mathias Mhere, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Webster Shamu, Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister Samuel Undenge and Kuwadzana East National Assembly member Nelson Chamisa at the DVD launch

Arts Correspondent—
Information Communication Technology and Postal and Courier Services Minister Webster Shamu, who is also Zimbabwe Union of Musicians Patron, has warned promoters against taking advantage of musicians when they hold their shows.
Speaking at Mathias Mhere’s “Nguva YeNyasha” DVD album launch and birthday celebrations at Rainbow Towers, Shamu described some local promoters as exploitative.

“I would like to warn promoters to be careful with their dealings with musicians. Some are genuine and others actually need some prayers. Please pray for them pastors, they must not steal from the musicians.

“Venue owners must also put reasonable prices because some of the amounts charged are out of this world,” he said.
Shamu also encouraged other artistes to remain original in their work like Mhere.

“Artistes I encourage you not to computerise your music but be like Mhere who is original. He sings out of passion and has a word he wants to reach out to people. On the same note I encourage our local people to manufacture quality instruments like guitars, mbiras and drums and it is possible.

“Those who pirate music must be imprisoned for 10 to 15 years because they are killing careers of the musicians.
“We have agreed with my fellow colleagues here to take this issue to parliament and make sure something is done,” he said.

In concluding his speech, Minister Shamu proved to the audience that he can still sing as he belted out Shona song “Tinosangana Kudenga”.