Dennis Ndlovu I Zim GBC News | Arts and Entertainment reporter
A newly established recording studio in Bulawayo says it wants to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity for aspiring musicians struggling to find their footing in the industry, with at least one young artist describing the space as transformative.
Eruption Records was officially launched in January 2025 after its founders acquired a studio space in the city centre in late 2024.
Business manager Anorld Siyumbwa said the idea had been years in the making.
“Officially, all the components came together in late 2024 and we launched in early January 2025,” he said.
He explained that the motivation stemmed from personal experience. The founders had once aspired to be artists themselves while in high school, but encountered the same financial and structural barriers many young creatives continue to face.
“Without money, studio sessions become scarce,” he said.
“What truly motivated us was the idea of creating a studio which would accommodate artists with passions and talents which are limited by lack of opportunity. We plan to become that opportunity.”
Siyumbwa described emerging artists as hidden gems capable of reshaping Bulawayo’s cultural landscape if given consistent support.
“Talent can only take you so far, it’s hard work and consistency that lead to greatness. Being a part of that hard work and consistency is what Eruption is all about,” he said.
He added that nurturing new voices could help position the city as a creative hub.
“Emerging artists are capable of shaping that landscape into something not just bigger, but creating an island where artists thrive full of creativity and a chance to learn and grow.”
However, financial instability remains one of the biggest obstacles facing upcoming musicians.
“Artists walk on very shaky ground which forces them to be desperate,” Mr Siyumbwa said.
“Most of the accountability falls on the environment financially artists are broke, and some very broke.
Performances are, for the most part, free and that has a huge impact on their income.”
He also noted that many lack knowledge about how the music industry operates.
“At first we thought we were helping by offering a flexible, financially viable studio,” he said.
“As we progressed, we noticed how little knowledge most artists have concerning the music industry in general.”
The studio says it has begun offering informal guidance and networking opportunities, and is working on plans to launch a platform designed to help artists generate income.
“We are not experts and we’re not a life-changing opportunity yet,” he said.
“What we offered was an opportunity to grow with us and pull each other up.”
One emerging Bulawayo musician, Ian Arthur Mathe credits the studio with changing the direction of his career.
Before joining Eruption Records, he had been recording at Peazybeats Studios.
“I was then informed that there’s a studio in town and decided to check it out, only to discover that one of the producers is actually my former classmate,” he said.
At the time, he described himself as a complete beginner.
“I was at a beginner stage. I just wanted to do music for fun. I had no clue what a bar was during that time,” he said.
“But it all took a turn after I started working with Eruption Records,” Mathe said
Like many young artists, he struggled to afford studio time.
“Well like most artists I faced a challenge of not having money to afford studio time,” he said.
“Eruption recognised the passion and skills I had and decided to give me a chance to record at their studio.”
He recalls feeling both excitement and pressure when he first stepped into the space.
“My first impression was, This thing just got real now. I need to pull up my socks and prove to them that I can deliver. I was actually happy working with them.”
Beyond recording, he said the team supported him at live performances and helped refine his craft.
“They actually helped me understand my music much better and they have been quite supportive by attending all the events I have performed in. They would also make sure that I get the hype I need,” he said.
Among the most important lessons he learnt, he added, was authenticity.
“Good music comes from the heart. When making music, put yourself in your audience’s shoes and ask yourself the music that you’re giving out to the people, is it the type of music you yourself would vibe to or relate to?”
While disagreements occasionally arise, he described the relationship as constructive.
“We do get to have our disagreements there and then, but we always get to work it out at the end of the day.”
Although the studio is still in its early stages, Mr Siyumbwa pointed to the development of artist Slxme as an example of growth.
“From when we started working together, writing and recording those early songs to finding his sound and now performing on stage, we are proud to use him as an example,” he said.
He also attributed that they have positive energy
“We are not a giant yet,” Mr Siyumbwa said.
“Even as we continue to learn and grow with those that have chosen to grow with us, we wish to maintain our underdog energy.”
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