BULAWAYO’S Hip-hop groups that were recently nominated to participate at the country’s prestigious hip-hop awards slated for December 7 in Harare are struggling to raise funds for the preparation of the awards ceremony.
SHARON SIBINDI Own Correspondent
Most local groups have in the past been plagued by a series of problems including lack of funding with most groups failing to record even a single.
This year a handful of Bulawayo artistes were nominated to participate at the event which would be held at 7Arts Theatre in Harare.
However, nominees from Bulawayo are wary about finances and are doubtful they will make it to the much-hyped event.
One of the nominated groups — Explosion — told Southern Eye Lifestyle they might not make it or adequately prepare for the event due to lack of resources.
The group which has been nominated for the first time since its inception had hoped to capitalise on the golden opportunity to dazzle the awards and prove to the world that Bulawayo has got talent.
The group’s director Scrah Mdala said his group had a challenge of resources which had affected their preparations.
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“We are happy that we have been nominated to participate at the prestigious event, but our biggest challenge is money,” he said.
“Proceeds from our shows cannot fully finance our preparations because that is where artistes get their allowances.”
He added that they could not release albums because of financial constraints, but looked forward to use the opportunity to market the group.
The promising group has also been nominated for the National Arts Merits Awards and should they get adequate resources they might go places.
Kasilami Art Platform (Klap), a local group which is also a nominee for the awards, bemoaned lack of funding.
“Our challenge is lack of funding and support from different stakeholders that make up the entertainment industry in the region,” he said adding their preparations, albeit the setbacks, were going on well.
