Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga (FFF) Life's no paradise – resources are scarce, competition's tough, and adversity's constant. But it's how we respond that defines us. Resilience is the ability to bounce back, to sweep away trouble and hold firm to gains. I once had a business in my 20s that did well in the short run, but when I sought support from a wealthy relative to expand, I was labelled lazy. I fought back, true to their word I became unpopular. Later, I realised people look at what you've achieved, not what you promise. I refocused, sought trusted support, and bounced back – refuting allegations of laziness. Each challenge's a battle; each win builds confidence. You don't start winning big battles, but small wins accumulate. Employers seek elasticity; vision falls on resilient people. As I was ridiculed and falsely accused, I gained favour with people in good time. Adversity may conquer, but bouncing back is resilience. Life's short. Elastic...
Written By Fred Farai Nyakudanga "I've got a recording contract!" Those words echoed in my mind as I left the recording company with a spring in my step. But for many young musicians in Zimbabwe, this is a distant dream. The reality is harsh: self-sponsorship has become the norm, and creativity is paying the price. The demise of recording companies like Gramma, ZMC, and RTP has left musicians to fray. With piracy and economic woes to blame, artists now foot the bill for recording and marketing. This shift has severe implications for creativity. In a healthy music industry, recording companies guide artists, shaping their sound and message. They invest in talent, allowing artists to focus on their craft. Not anymore. Now, musicians rush to record, driven by budget constraints rather than artistic vision. Producers prioritize profit over quality, and artists are left to fill beats with hasty lyrics. The result? A homogenized sound that stifles innovation. Established art...