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...