A new community initiative in Filabusi is seeking to nurture local talent and tackle substance abuse among young people through music.
The Godlwayo Local Talent event, launched this year, is designed to give aspiring artists a platform to showcase their work, gain recognition and attract sponsorship to record their music.
Co-founder Philip Phiri said the project was born out of frustration at how local artists were being sidelined.
“Our artists from Godlwayo are not recognized in many events. They try to sing but lack recording channels. They attempted to get work but were unsuccessful, so we came up with this plan, which we will implement annually,” Phiri explained.
He added that the event also serves a social purpose. “Many of them are youths, and there is an issue of drug and substance abuse. But if they take their time doing such activities, they are safe. Godlwayo Local Talent is something we want to take forward, and we invite those who can to sponsor our artists.”
The challenges facing local musicians were highlighted by Herod Gumbo, who performs as Mathambeka under Chief Sibasa. Gumbo, who has released six songs with the support of veteran artist Jeys Marabini, said financial struggles continue to stall his career.
“The challenge that I have is lack of money,” Gumbo said, noting that he still holds unsold CDs, a format increasingly shunned by modern audiences. He hopes to raise funds to produce 16 new songs. “If I can get someone to help me, I can do this by October to push my career as a musician,” he pleaded.
Another performer, Talent Sibanda, known on stage as King Ndube from Mbembesi, expressed gratitude for the exposure the event has provided.
“I thank the organizers of Godlwayo Local Talent. It helps us because we are now known by many,” Sibanda said, urging fellow artists to work together rather than compete.
“I ask that we should work together as artists, not to compete against each other,” he added.
Organisers say they hope the event will become an annual fixture, building stronger community ties while offering young people creative alternatives to substance abuse.
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