How #SocialMedia has become the best alternative for #indie creatives

Look at the possibilities in store for artists and producer in the digital world

We have radio and TV, newspapers and magazines that have served the entertainment for years but have you ever wondered how others are making it even when they are rarely mentioned or played in mainstream media.

There is a game changer and its new media.  Put into consideration the reach of twitter, Facebook and blogs and other online sites that focus on Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry.

Here are five reasons a serious artistes should have new media as part of their profession.

1.       Effective and affordable marketing

Jamaican sensation Sean Kingston started his music career by marketing his videos on YouTube.  It is from there that he caught the attention of major record labels.  In the Zimbabwean context, Richard ‘Uncle Richie’ Matimba of the ‘zvirikumbofamba sei’ fame made his name by sharing content on WhatsApp.  The ‘zvirikufaya’ videos went viral on social media before they went mainstream.

Gone are the days when 2Pac had to do attention-seeking antics in order to be played on radio.  New media is offering a whole new marketing experience.

2.       Image management

New media has opened a floodgate for content marketers and bloggers.  Zimbabwe has her own bloggers and opinion leaders.  At affordable rates, an artist has the opportunity to create an online image and a strong brand presence to boost their trade.  Website hosting and maintenance fees are affordable which offers entertainers the chance to put themselves out there.  You are only worth what people know about you.  Partners, promoters, and sponsors value the image and what best way to find out except to ‘Google’ your name.

New media is no longer about posting selfies and looking for flirt mates but a powerful marketing tool for serious artists.

3.       Access to market and ready feedback

With sites like ReverbNation, Netflix and iTunes, new media offers one direct access to the market and allows for feedback.  Long gone are the days when we used to wait for an album launch before we buying the vinyl, tape or CD from Spinalong shops.  Entertainment is now available on demand.  Yes, we still buy CDs and DVDs to add to our collection of classics but the majority are just looking for the hits.

Zimbabwean entertainers are no longer confined to the Zimbabwean market but are now part of the global entertainment world.  The sooner we start working on the delivery and quality of our works, the more doors open ushering us to greater possibilities. 

 

4.       Multimedia options

Talk of videos, podcasts, interviews, photo galleries and newsletters as marketing options.  One has access to all the media tools available to market and promote their works.  Sculptural artists can put photos of their works and share videos of the exhibitions they have attended.  Actors put up movie trailers, share movie backstories and have bloggers write reviews of the material.  Music artists now have the privilege to put their radio interviews online and share videos shows they have performed and life documentaries.  The options offered by new media are many.

5.       Social networking and exchange of ideas

Artists’ forums, workshops and fairs have been dwindling in Zimbabwe.  Events like the Zimbabwe International Book Fair have been experiencing lower attendances.  This is a challenge for upcoming artists seeking to network and exchange ideas with the established artists.  New media offers the solution.  For every profession or trade in the world, there are numerous online sites and forums where people share ideas and help each other improve their talents.  Artists have options to create their own forums like Facebook groups focusing on their line of profession.  Kudos to new media, Zimbabwean artists can rate themselves against fellow artists worldwide. 

 

The time is ripe for the Zimbo artist.  New media has opened to us a completely new world of possibilities and expanded our market from a mere 12million Zimbabweans to 7 billion world citizens who are waiting expectantly for us to entertain them.  Welcome to the global village.