SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean gospel musician, Oliver Ngonidzashe Matsika, says music should be a pillar of support for society by offering people solace.In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Matsika said: “Music is supposed to be a pillar people run to each time they are in either difficult or happy moments. Music has to soothe souls, whenever one is losing hope or when in love, but cannot express it enough. I can say music is therapy, hope, healing and anything that you want it to be both spiritually and physically.”
He believes music lives through generations and as a musician he yearns to keep African culture and traditions alive while preaching the goodness of God and Ubuntu.“My music is inspired by the love of nurturing and everything that is happening in the world and around me for example I can create a song from someone’s prayer or sermon even a conversation that I might have had with someone,” the gospel musician said.
His song Zimbabwe is a prayer for the country, while Mama Africa appreciates the beauty of Africa and encouraged Africans to do better to place the continent on top of the world.Matsika, who was actively involved in humanitarian efforts to assist the victims of Cyclone Idai, noted: “I worked with the likes of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho Hotsticks Mabuse, Bongani Masondo, Lucky Dube’s band and PJ Powers during Cyclone Idai to raise donations for the victims.”
The musician indicated that he has never experienced discrimination in foreign land, but only from some radio stations.He works amicably with South African artistes and producers.
Matsika is pleased that technology has made it easier for aspiring musicians to record and publish their music.
“Growing up, I knew that if one wanted to be a musician, they had to be signed by either Gramma Records or other music companies, but thanks to technology, small and successful studios are coming up even in the rural areas, where music can be easily recorded and social media is making it easier to market the music,” he said.
Matsika added that digital platforms had also contributed positively to music development as they are enabling artistes to earn royalties for their music through online platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.
He, however, urged artistes to register with the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association so that their intellectual property rights are protected.
- Music is therapy: Matsika
