The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Stella Barozi
30 May 2008
opinion
Local musicians are quickly adopting the global trend in which artists exploit their talent for business in order to cope with the pressure to succeed.
Using their stage popularity, some Tanzanian musicians are not only stamping their authority on the entertainment scene, but have gradually seized the opportunity to market their stage presence as a supplement to their income.
One of the local artists showing the way is Ambwene Yesaya, alias 'AY', who is currently not only doing well in his music but is also in rush to brand his image into profitable business ventures.
Like world renowned mega artists and super rich personalities, 'AY' is in his own way taking in the footsteps of American hip-hop stars such Jay Z and 50 Cent who have become multi-millionaires by combining their singing talent and business acumen.
The AY example and also that of colleagues like TMK Wanaume and GK's East Coast team goes into showing the inherent business potential in the growing Bongo Flava music industry. It is also a sign of maturity of individual artistes keen to supplement their income with extra earnings from their talent.
There is already plenty to pride about by the leaders, like AY, who has managed to have successful dealings with companies and musicians outside Tanzania.
The trend has been for the artiste to combine a music career with the pursuit of higher education or venturing into other businesses as sources of money.
This shows business sense that has been synonymous with prominent international artistes for some time now.
The generation is sure to create a new type of musician, one who is at home on a stage as well as in a boardroom with a suit and a tie. Read the full report in your new look Weekender magazine inside.
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