![](https://566448.40t4n.group/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Willis-Wataffi.jpg)
Takawira Dapi
Arts Correspondent
Willis Wataffi, co-founder of Afrika Revenge, has called on band managers to embrace professionalism as a key to success.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, he urged managers to prioritise the development of their artists.
After years of touring various countries, Wataffi believes he has gained valuable insights that he aims to share with local managers.
“Having toured the world in the music business alongside legends, I have observed that many Zimbabwean band managers, both new and experienced, are primarily concerned about their musicians’ growth,” he stated.
“It seems their focus is on the commissions from show bookings rather than on the necessary grooming for their artists’ personal development.
“ In Zimbabwe, we have only a few professional managers; the rest are merely booking agents or receptionists for their artists,” he added.
Wataffi emphasised that many artists lose their way after achieving fame.
“Fame can be a surprise for many artists, leading them to hire close friends or relatives as managers. Unfortunately, these individuals often lack the necessary skills, and some musicians do this to protect their own interests.”
He lamented the lack of learning from successful musicians globally.
“Many of our managers in Zimbabwe do not invest in their artists, which is disheartening. Fame should come with better fortunes, assets, and goodwill.
“This can be achieved by engaging the right people as managers, rather than relying on relatives or friends who lack the required expertise,” he said.
Wataffi also noted the challenges in collaborating with other musicians, citing instances where he faced obstacles.
“I remember approaching a sungura giant for a possible collaboration, but despite days of deliberation, the deal fell through. He referred me to his management, and that was the last communication we had,” he recalled.
He encouraged band members to attend workshops to enhance their knowledge of arts management.
“Artists’ managers should take music business management classes seriously, perhaps even enrolling in online courses. While talent is a gift from God, it requires professional management to yield results.”
“Wisdom, tolerance, and humility are essential qualities for our artists’ personal development. This is why figures like Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, and Leonard Zhakata continue to thrive in the industry, even after years in music,” he noted.
Wataffi urged local musicians to participate in workshops organised by groups like ZIMURA for personal development.
“It’s unfortunate that some band managers think they know it all, despite the availability of free assistance. If they genuinely cared for their brands beyond their commissions, we would see a more progressive Zimbabwean music industry, complete with residual incomes from endorsements and intellectual property licensing,” he said.
Wataffi, who recently collaborated with South Africa-based jazz artist Edgar Muzah, emphasised the need for artists to be professional.
He also praised Muzah, who won the 2024 Best of the Rest of Africa award at the South African Music Awards.