ZIMDANCEHALL icon Winky D has disclosed that the country’s music industry was in a serious crisis due to the impact of COVID-19, whose lockdown measures have included the prohibition of public gatherings.
For the majority of musicians in Zimbabwe, public live shows have traditionally been their major income stream.
Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda said to a greater extent, Zimbabwe was lagging behind in terms of the requisite technology for ideal online shows.
“The development model we all try to follow is what they call modernisation. If you are looking at Zimbabwe, we are trying to catch up, we are trying to replace whatever it is which is in place, the infrastructure technology, and we are still growing in terms of such things that’s the honest truth,” Banda said.
ZIMDANCEHALL icon Winky D has disclosed that the country’s music industry was in a serious crisis due to the impact of COVID-19, whose lockdown measures have included the prohibition of public gatherings.
For the majority of musicians in Zimbabwe, public live shows have traditionally been their major income stream.
Winky D’s manager Jonathan Banda said to a greater extent, Zimbabwe was lagging behind in terms of the requisite technology for ideal online shows.
“The development model we all try to follow is what they call modernisation. If you are looking at Zimbabwe, we are trying to catch up, we are trying to replace whatever it is which is in place, the infrastructure technology, and we are still growing in terms of such things that’s the honest truth,” Banda said.
He said the brutal truth revealed by COVID-19 was that artistes were vulnerable.
“This situation has shown us that anything can happen life and there is need to balance a whole lot of things and it has shown us that artistes have no safety as it where be it institutionally or organisationally,” he said.
“Besides the fact that there are a lot of initiatives, let’s face it, yes, it’s not normal for everyone and as artistes it has shown that we are vulnerable, it’s like we are saying right now I have strategy because now I am eating bread yet it’s the only thing I can afford.”
Banda expressed fears that music would be one of the last industries to open up given that it thrived on crowds and public gatherings.
“Most of what we are doing now is administrative and the way things are I think it could be the last industry to be considered in terms of operations because it gathers a lot of people so let’s just be sober and sincere with ourselves,” he said.
Online performances, which several musicians have taken up, could not be classified as an alternative as it was the only option at the moment.
“We have this misconception that we should be growing better even when things are wrong. Personally, I want to dismiss the issue of using online platform as a strategy, but as the only available option that’s there for us right now, we never anticipated this, things are really not well for us, but we continue working,” he said.
Banda said since the lockdown, their work was more administrative although some musicians say they are using the lockdown to pen new tracks. He said Winky D had always been writing songs even before the lockdown.
“We can’t even say nowadays he is writing songs because he always writing and it’s not a new thing and it’s a process. For an artiste, if you establish yourself, it’s not about releasing something, but the impact of the output,” he said.
Banda underscored the need for the sector to invest in local resource utilisation, adding that going online would leave some of their fans out in the cold in view of high data charges and poor internet connectivity.
“So really, we are trying and we are saying to ourselves I think there are certain areas that we really feel we should invest in. First and foremost, we should look at local resource utilisation whenever possible, but however, as for us when we do partnerships with others outside, it’s merely because we would not have seen those things around and it’s just one of those very difficult scenarios,” he said.
“If we decide to go online, it means we have neglected some of the most organic fans that we have had, those who don’t have access to this like the ghetto youths and others in rural areas. We are humans and we don’t have answers to everything.”
Banda indicated that currently, they were not able to do their visuals because traditionally they use several locations and work with a huge cast, something not possible under the lockdown in which social distancing was critical.
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Best Business Credit Cards for Small Business Owners
A business credit card can be a useful financial tool for small business owners. It can help separate personal and business expenses, build business credit, track spending, manage cash flow, and earn rewards on everyday purchases.
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The best business credit card depends on how your business spends money. Some cards offer cash back on office supplies, fuel, internet, phone service, shipping, restaurants, or travel. Others offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases. If your spending is spread across many categories, a flat-rate card may be easier to manage.
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Before applying, compare the annual fee. A card with a high annual fee may still be worth it if the rewards, travel credits, or business benefits exceed the cost. However, for smaller businesses, a no-annual-fee card may be a better starting point.
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Interest rate is also important. If you pay your balance in full every month, the interest rate may not matter as much. But if you carry a balance, a high APR can quickly become expensive. Business owners who need financing should compare credit cards with other options such as business lines of credit or small business loans.
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Some business credit cards offer employee cards. This can make it easier to control spending and track purchases by employee. Look for cards that allow spending limits, alerts, and category controls.
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Rewards can be valuable, but they should not encourage unnecessary spending. A good rule is to choose a card that rewards expenses you already have. For example, if your business spends heavily on advertising, a card with bonus rewards for digital ad purchases may be useful.
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Business credit cards may also include benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranties, travel insurance, rental car coverage, and expense management tools. These features can save money when used properly.
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To improve approval chances, check your credit score, business revenue, and existing debt before applying. Many business cards require a personal guarantee, meaning the owner may be responsible for repayment if the business cannot pay.
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A business credit card should support your financial system, not replace responsible budgeting. Track expenses monthly, pay on time, and avoid mixing personal purchases with business transactions.
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When used wisely, a business credit card can help small business owners improve organization, earn rewards, and manage short-term expenses more effectively.
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Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Option Is Better?
Homeowners who have built equity may be able to borrow against their home through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, commonly called a HELOC. Both options use the home as collateral, but they work differently.
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A home equity loan provides a lump sum of money that is repaid over a set term with regular monthly payments. Many home equity loans have fixed interest rates, which makes payments predictable. This can be useful for one-time expenses such as a major home improvement project, debt consolidation, or a large planned purchase.
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A HELOC works more like a credit card. The lender gives you access to a line of credit, and you can borrow as needed during the draw period. HELOCs often have variable interest rates, meaning the payment can rise or fall over time. This flexibility can be useful for ongoing projects or uncertain expenses.
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The main advantage of a home equity loan is stability. You know how much you borrowed, what your payment is, and when the loan will be paid off. The main disadvantage is that you receive the full amount upfront, even if you do not need all of it immediately.
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The main advantage of a HELOC is flexibility. You can borrow only what you need, when you need it. The main risk is that variable rates can make payments unpredictable. Some borrowers may also be tempted to keep borrowing, which can increase debt.
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Before choosing either option, consider the risk. Because the loan is secured by your home, failure to repay could put your home at risk. Borrowing against home equity should be done carefully and for a clear financial purpose.
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Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, draw periods, closing costs, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Also ask whether there are annual fees, early closure fees, or minimum withdrawal requirements.
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Home equity borrowing may make sense for improvements that increase property value or for consolidating high-interest debt with a clear repayment plan. It may not be wise for unnecessary spending or short-term lifestyle purchases.
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The best option depends on your goals. Choose a home equity loan if you need a fixed amount and predictable payment. Choose a HELOC if you need flexible access to funds over time.
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Before borrowing, compare lenders and review the full cost carefully.
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