The Zimbabwean music industry has seen a lot of growth in recent times. The emergence and popularity of new genres like Sungura, Jiti, Zim dancehall, and Zim hip hop among others have attributed to this. While some genres have dwindled in terms of followership and died out completely; some continue to grow strong even up to date. Currently, the top three most popular genres in the country include Zim dancehall, Zim hip hop as well as Jiti. Apart from hit songs themselves, it would be unfair if I do not mention how important music videos are for any given song release.
In this article, I’ll focus on different areas concerning music videos, such as artists consistently producing them, the evolution of music videos over the years, what it takes to create a high-quality video worthy of recognition, and the associated costs.
Background To Music Video Production Costs
Experts claim that on average making one can cost $ 20,000 but according to some producers in Zimbabwe, they can go as low as $500 for a three to five-minute-long video. Planning a shoot may take a few days or even a month bringing together the production team takes two or more weeks shooting process itself ranges between two- to three days while the editing phase can take up to two weeks.
Considering these factors, we can estimate that the entire video production process takes around a month, although it may vary depending on the video’s complexity and content. These numbers highlight the hard work put in by artists who successfully release their music videos. Back in the day, only a few artists could afford to get their songs done as music videos due to the limited means of production.
Older Music Videos
Artists relied on live shows for exposure and fans one’s fan base was deduced from the size of the audience in attendance at the show. Nowadays, we measure an artist’s popularity based on views and followers. Renowned artists from the past like Leonard Zhakata, Aleck Macheso, and Oliver Mtukudzi were able to produce music videos, but these videos focused more on storytelling and lacked extensive choreography or movement.
While I’m not very familiar with older music, the few videos I’ve seen were quite enjoyable. The videos commanded a lot of respect and a lot of people enjoyed watching them, me included. Comparing old-school videos to current ones, we can see many changes in terms of clothing, choreography, and captivating scenes. Some of these modern videos even include controversial elements like nudity, drunkenness, and criminal characters. Additionally, there has been a shift in the role of the singer in these videos.
Although it was difficult to reach many fans from the older generation, I was lucky enough to hear from two individuals who shared their thoughts: “I grew up listening to Oliver Mtukudzi, and when I first watched his videos, I couldn’t get enough. In those days, we had to buy CDs, and I made sure to purchase every new CD as long as it was about him,” Gogo Vee reminisced.
“Inini ndaida Macheso, and ndichiri kumufarira. The way yaanoridza his guitar pama videos ake and matambiro anoita vakomana vake makes my day,” Mama Sue expressed affectionately.
Based on these accounts, we can see that the music videos produced back then had a dedicated following, which still exists today.
Freeman HKD Boss’ Music Videos
The music industry doesn’t treat all artists equally; some demonstrate improvement, some remain stagnant, while others excel in their craft. I strongly believe, Freeman has shown the most improvement since he started his career. His consistent delivery of hit songs accompanied by great videos is unmatched. Starting with songs like “Doctor Wema Gitare” and “Neshungu,” he set the bar high with fiery music videos.
As he progressed, songs like “Hello” and his HKD anthem fed to his growth. He continued to produce hits and videos that were commendable, never reverting to the former. Hits such as “Waitress,” “Zizi,” “Pombi,” and “Muridzo” presented incredible video quality and captivating visuals. The mesmerizing choreography and synchronised visuals that complemented the lyrics were worth discussing. Freeman’s videos possess an international appeal, and he demonstrates a keen understanding of the ideal shooting locations. His music videos effortlessly put viewers in a party mood and make them want to dance. Furthermore, he also creates emotionally moving songs like “Big Life.”
Therefore, in my opinion, Freeman stands out as the most improving artist of his time.
Killer T’s Music Videos
Another artist who deserves recognition for his video production is Killer T. Although he has been relatively low-key recently, he has demonstrated consistent improvement in his videos. Over the course of time, he has been using studio set type of videos for most of his hit songs. This includes the recent hit Kana Ndanyura as well as the hit song Hakete.
The late Souljah Love also witnessed an elevation in his music videos from the time he began until his passing. Therefore, compared to other artists in his genre, his progress was relatively good. Perhaps if he was still alive, he would have continued on that trajectory of good videos and influential music.
Lastly, I’d like to discuss the most consistent artist, and without a doubt, Jah Prayzah claims that title.
Jah Prayzah’s Music Videos
Throughout his career, Jah Prayzah has consistently impressed audiences with his exceptional talent. Some of his most notable songs include “Sungano,” “Maria,” and “Gotch Gotch.” What sets Jah Prayzah apart is his ability to explore different musical styles, showcasing his versatility as an artist. One of his standout projects is the album “Gwara,” which features the captivating Nhoroondo chapters. These chapters effectively tell a story through music, with each song building upon the narrative.
To enhance the storytelling experience, Jah Prayzah released accompanying videos like “My Oh My,” which complemented the chapters. The video truly helped viewers understand the story better. It is worth mentioning that Jah Prayzah has also produced music videos with international appeal. Some of the songs include hits like “Murder,” “Cherechedza,” and “My Lily.” This ability to create visually stunning videos has contributed to his success both locally and globally. I can say, it has been opening doors for international collaborations for him for the greater part. With each album release, he continues pushing boundaries and delivering music videos that leave an lasting impression on audiences.
Conclusion
Other artists deserve recognition for their consistent output as well. Tamy Moyo’s videos, characterized by her exceptional dancing skills and flawless choreography, are truly impressive. Artists like Takura, Qounfuzed, and Holy 10, among others, are also demonstrating the potential for consistent growth and improvement.
Everything I’ve shared in this article represents my viewpoint, and I genuinely value your input. I would love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with my assessments. If you have any point of information to make regarding the artists mentioned, please feel free to engage.
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About The Author
Alice Ndipo is a young aspiring writer who possesses a deep passion for crafting captivating poems, insightful articles, soulful music, and enthralling novels. Her creative journey is fueled by a love for storytelling, as she continues to develop her skills and share her unique perspectives with the world. Connect with her on her socials.