Exploring Midlands’ Gweru-brood Music Artists and Music Producers’ pursuits of career success in Harare

Abstract

The study looked at the quest for career success among music artists and music producers who were groomed in the Midlands Province. The study explored the motivation behind the selected music artists and music producers’ departure from Gweru to ply their trade in the Zimbabwe capital city Harare. Purposively selected artists and music producers from the Midlands Province were included in this study. We employed a qualitative research method with semi-structured interviews to solicit data from participants. A total of six participants, two music producers and four music artists tutored in the Midlands Province and relocated to Harare were sampled purposively. The resource dependence and social capital theories were used to guide analysis of data. The study reveals that in Harare there are more opportunities and chances for music artists and music producers’ growth and development. Participants submitted that in the Midlands Province, there is a lack of financial support, exposure, resource hubs and a vibrant arts society. Harare proffers an enabling ecosystem to music artists and music producers who work hard. The national televisions, radio stations and print media in Harare provide a positive environment to those in Harare, much to the disadvantage of the Midlands Province. The strong networks in both social media and mainstream media mostly benefit Harare dwellers. We thus recommend the establishment of more physical and digital networks across the Midlands Province to promote music artists, foster interaction, collaboration, enhance career success and visibility for the arts community beyond provincial and national boundaries.