Gokwe young artist appealing for media representation in rural areas 

Ephraim Munhuwei 

Nigel T Chirinda a.k.a Nally C, a young and talented artist from Gokwe officially born on 22 September 2000, Sasame area is on a mission to make a name for himself in the Zimbabwean music industry. Despite his impressive skills and dedication to his craft, Nally’s journey to success has been hindered by the lack of proper institutions to promote the blooming of talent in his hometown.

Growing up in a small town like Gokwe, Sasame area, Nally C faced many challenges in pursuing his passion for music. He had to rely on his own talent and determination to hone his skills, often performing at local events and showcases to get exposure. 

“Actually I started my primary at Ruvimbo primary in Kwekwe and moved to Gokwe after my parents passed, and went to Duli Trust High School. I started liking music when I was 3 years old as my daddy loved to play bass guitar at church and my mom sang in the church choir. I discovered that was a talent as I did different competitions at school church until I started writing ma love songs”, said Nally C.

However, as he began to gain recognition for his unique style and captivating performances, he realized that his lack of access to resources and support systems made it difficult for him to take his career to the next level.

“I do RnB type of music and actually as for now I have single tracks only due to lack of resources and financial support, but as I’m talking now I have an EP I’m doing right now coming soon end of January”, said Nally C.

As interviewed by our correspondent, Nally C expressed his frustration regarding the limited opportunities for aspiring artists in Gokwe. He emphasized that despite the abundance of talent in the area, there are no established music schools, recording studios, or talent agencies to nurture and promote young artists.

“I find it disheartening that in Gokwe, despite the presence of immense talent, we don’t have proper institutions to support us. There are no music schools, recording studios, or talent agencies to help us grow and showcase our skills,” Nally C lamented.

Consequently, many talented musicians, such as 216 Whisky, are compelled to leave their hometowns and relocate to bigger cities like Harare or Bulawayo to pursue their dreams.

“Nationally acclaimed artists like 216 Whisky had to move to Harare to find more opportunities. It’s evident that in Zimbabwe, if you’re from a rural or marginalized area, your chances of making it in the music industry are significantly lower,” Nally C explained.

The challenges faced by Nally C, 216 Whisky, and countless other aspiring artists from marginalized communities across Zimbabwe are not unique. The lack of infrastructure and resources in these areas severely hampers the ability of talented individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth of the country’s music industry.

“In all honesty, the Zimbabwe music industry lacks inclusivity for artists from smaller towns and rural areas. We face immense challenges, one of which is the limited opportunities to perform on big stages,” Chirinda stated.

Despite the obstacles, Nally C remains determined to make a name for himself. He holds onto hope that the government and other stakeholders will invest in the development of proper institutions to promote talent growth in Gokwe and other marginalized communities in Zimbabwe.

He firmly believes that with the right support, young artists from these areas can achieve remarkable goals and contribute significantly to the rich cultural heritage of the country. Nally C’s music primarily focuses on love songs, where he aims to bring happiness and comfort to people’s relationships, especially among the younger generations.

“I find immense joy in knowing that the younger generation loves my songs and that they are my biggest fans. Love songs have a way of connecting people and evoking powerful memories. I truly believe that everyone, at some point, experiences situations related to love, both good and bad. Love songs have the ability to provide a momentary solace,” Nally C shared with a smile.

Through his dedication and hard work, Nally C continues to strive for success and hopes to create more impactful love songs that resonate with his audience.

“It’s truly a privilege for me to bring happiness and comfort through my music. Love songs have a way of touching people’s hearts and creating a sense of connection. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe,” Nally C expressed sincerely.

Additionally, Nally C acknowledges the impactful role that support from the local community plays in an artist’s journey. He appreciates the encouragement and support he has received from his fans and hopes to inspire aspiring artists in Gokwe and beyond.

“I’m truly grateful for the unwavering support I receive from my fans. They motivate me to continue creating music and chasing my dreams. I hope that my journey can serve as a beacon of hope for other aspiring artists in Gokwe and other marginalized communities. Together, we can overcome the challenges and create a more inclusive music industry,” Nally C confidently stated.

As a compassionate and dedicated artist, Nally C remains committed to making a positive impact in the lives of his listeners and hopes for a brighter future for the music industry in Zimbabwe.

There is a concerning trend of brain drain in Gokwe and other rural areas of Zimbabwe. This phenomenon is not only affecting the music industry but also various sectors such as education, healthcare, and skilled trades. Talented individuals, including nurses, teachers, electricians, and others, who hail from rural areas are often compelled to seek employment opportunities in larger cities like Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo.

Even in Gokwe, there are exceptional educational institutions like Cheziya Gokwe High School and Njelele High School, which consistently produce outstanding students in academics, sports, and cultural activities. However, despite the remarkable talent nurtured in these schools, most students are compelled to leave Gokwe and relocate to other cities in order to pursue career opportunities and showcase their talents.

One notable example of a talented individual from Gokwe is Tinashe Mapago, widely recognized as Tinzi. Tinzi gained nationwide recognition for his skills as an actor, singer, and comedian, particularly through his collaborations with renowned artists such as Kapfupi, Boss Kedha, and Kachongwe. His success serves as a clear testament to the fact that many exceptionally talented individuals hail from rural and marginalized areas like Gokwe.

This growing trend of resourceful individuals leaving their hometowns underscores the need for greater opportunities and support in rural areas. It is crucial to provide incentives and create an enabling environment for talent to flourish locally, ultimately reducing the disparity between rural and urban areas. By nurturing and retaining talent in places like Gokwe, we can harness the full potential of these marginalized areas and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.