Willis Wataffi Urges Band Managers to Prioritize Professionalism.
Willis Wataffi is a co-founder of Afrika Revenge. He wants band managers to be more professional, saying this is key to success.
Wataffi spoke to The Herald Arts. He said managers should focus on developing their artists.
Wataffi has toured many countries. He learned a lot. He wants to share his insights with local managers.
"I've observed that many Zimbabwean band managers only care about their growth," he said. "They focus on booking shows for money. They don't groom their artists."
Wataffi said Zimbabwe has few professional managers. Most are just booking agents or receptionists.
He noted that many artists lose their way after becoming famous. They hire friends or family as managers. But these people often lack skills.
"Sadly, our managers don't invest in their artists," Wataffi said. "Fame should bring fortune, assets, and goodwill. Managers need the right expertise for this."
Wataffi had trouble collaborating with some musicians. One Sungura giant referred him to management, and that was the end of their talks.
He wants band members to attend workshops. These can teach them about arts management.
"Managers should take music business classes," Wataffi said. "Talent is a gift. But it needs professional management to succeed."
He said wisdom, tolerance, and humility are important. They help artists grow. Successful musicians like Alick Macheso have these qualities.
Wataffi urged musicians to attend ZIMURA workshops. Some managers think they know everything, but free help is available.
"If managers cared beyond commissions, our industry would thrive," he said. "We'd have endorsements and licensing income."
Wataffi recently worked with Edgar Muzah, a South African jazz artist. Muzah won a 2024 award. Wataffi stressed the need for professionalism.
Willis Wataffi is a co-founder of Afrika Revenge. He wants band managers to be more professional, saying this is key to success.
Wataffi spoke to The Herald Arts. He said managers should focus on developing their artists.
Wataffi has toured many countries. He learned a lot. He wants to share his insights with local managers.
"I've observed that many Zimbabwean band managers only care about their growth," he said. "They focus on booking shows for money. They don't groom their artists."
Wataffi said Zimbabwe has few professional managers. Most are just booking agents or receptionists.
He noted that many artists lose their way after becoming famous. They hire friends or family as managers. But these people often lack skills.
"Sadly, our managers don't invest in their artists," Wataffi said. "Fame should bring fortune, assets, and goodwill. Managers need the right expertise for this."
Wataffi had trouble collaborating with some musicians. One Sungura giant referred him to management, and that was the end of their talks.
He wants band members to attend workshops. These can teach them about arts management.
"Managers should take music business classes," Wataffi said. "Talent is a gift. But it needs professional management to succeed."
He said wisdom, tolerance, and humility are important. They help artists grow. Successful musicians like Alick Macheso have these qualities.
Wataffi urged musicians to attend ZIMURA workshops. Some managers think they know everything, but free help is available.
"If managers cared beyond commissions, our industry would thrive," he said. "We'd have endorsements and licensing income."
Wataffi recently worked with Edgar Muzah, a South African jazz artist. Muzah won a 2024 award. Wataffi stressed the need for professionalism.
