Styles bemoans lack of airplay

RUTENDO RORI

Upcoming Harare-based afro-fusion and reggae musician Brighton Tinashe Machaya aka Styles Melik says he has turned to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to market his music due to a “blackout” by mainstream media.

“Radio in Zimbabwe is tough, you need to know someone or have money to pay someone. This is the sad reality. We previously submitted tracks to radio libraries but to my knowledge none of those tracks were played,” he said.

“This is the challenge we face as upcoming artists, it will be nice if we can all be given an opportunity to let Zimbabwe hear what we have in store for them.  Luckily we have digital platforms like YouTube and streaming services like Apple-Music that have really helped in pushing our music to the people.”

The Kadoma-born Machaya said his music centres around social commentary.

Besides being a musician, he holds a diploma in logistics and works as a logistician in one of the leading mobile network operators in Zimbabwe.

Raised by parents, Styles attended schools that include Mupamombe and Rimuka High School.

He started with an outfit called ‘Mabhiridha Clan’ in Kadoma with my Friend Shemah Razemba.

“We had just finished school and did not have any real options for things to do in life, but we had a strong passion for music. We then became popular in Rimuka and people we didn’t even know would greet us in streets and some asking for pictures. This served as an eye opener of just how far we could go,” he said.

“In 2017, I moved to Harare to start my job as a logistician and I later met with Cymplex and produced what I think was my first serious track called Mwanangu Ndofa.”

Some of the singles he has released include Ndinotemba newe, Life, Mwanangu and Mwanangu ndofa.

He also has a latest album which titled Remorse which features 10 tracks and it is available on all digital streaming platforms including his YouTube channel.

“We have what we are calling “The Quartet Project” that features four explosive tracks coming out from October.

“Though we are going to release the Music as singles we are calling these tracks “Inguva Collection” and we are working with the best producers that Include Cymplex, Rodney (Military Touch Movement), Bleqboi and Leekay (Allied Kings).

“In five years, I see myself as one of the Zimbabwean leading voices creating timeless music that transcends generations and spread positivity that inspires all Africans,” Styles said.

The musician’s role model is Jah Prayzah and described his music as rich.

“Jah Prayzah is also probably the best story teller of our time from a musical point of view, his music does not only entertain but takes you places. If I can grow my talent to be half of his in five years I would have really done something out of this world,” he said.

Styles also said his job has helped him to cushion himself from the challenges that most artists are facing due to the Covid-19 induced lockdowns.

“However, it is important to realise that  Covid-19 is really impacting the industry in a way that we have never seen and I would like to encourage those who are able, to support artists in any way possible during these difficult times,” he said.