Music As A Business-Anita Jaxson

MUSIC AS A BUSINESS - ENDORSEMENTS

Roughly two years ago, she Rose to fame with her single “Unonzani” . Which became a hit soon after release and opened doors for Anita Jaxson.

Born November 26, 1998, making her 23 years old today, Anita been active in music since 2018 but her silence was broken in 2020 when the hit song with Jah Master a local Zim Dancehall artistcame out.

She is most known for her dancehall music style which she has turned versatile lately, by blending in withAfro-pop ,Fusion and Beats.

She says her inspiration is the American born & award-winning music sensation Adele.

Up to today Anita has released almosttwenty singles withing 4 years, which is considered hard work in the music industry and most of them making it, at the top trending hits in Zimbabwe.

We sat with Anita Jaxson for aninterview on a Monday, which is mainly one of the less busy days when she has no bookings.

IM: Who is Anita Jaxson as an artist?Define yourself in five words..

AJ: Anita Jaxson is a singer and songwriter; The stage name is my actual name. Anita is open-minded, creative, adventurous, ambitious and a music lover

IM: People take music as something that can not be a full-time career? What have you got to say about that…

AJ : That I can regard as a typical and stereotyped mindset of our grandparents' generation and the ones before them too, being a musician was regarded as something not worthy, and embarrassing to the family.

To take on as a career whilst other peoples children choose to be teachers, nursers and the over achievers were doctors and bankers.

Fast forward in 2000s, the new millennium all the way to the 20 th century it now hits differently, for we have seen superstars coming out of the music industry and being one of the most influential people in the society and on international platforms.

Almost as important as it is to build your business in any business, it is also important to create and manage a personal brand because most times as an entrepreneur when you go out there to sell your business, you are also selling yourself.

Endorsements have been playing a big role by, improving my work opportunities.

IM: Let’s talk about your latest partnership with Wild Aid, how has that been going?

AJ : My partnership with Wild Aid has been a great experience. I am beyond blessed to be part of a family that specializes in protecting Wild animals and showing the world what beautiful creations, we have on our planet.

Our goal is to spread awareness about wildlife as well save them from dangers such as poaching which is a great initiative currently for, they has been a rise in illegal activities regarding wildlife such as poaching.

We are raising awareness to protect our nature/environment.

IM: What has been the major benefit of being a Wild Aid ambassador?

AJ : I have been benefiting by getting to

1. Traveling around the world

I get to travel the world as we do photoshoots and engage awareness on wildlife protection.

2. My adventures turned into work I chose Wild Aid because not only do I love wildlife, but I also truly believe that animals should be protected.

3. Supporting my country tourism I encourage my fellow Zimbabweans to travel around our beautiful country and see what amazing animals we have in our game parks and the wild, we will understand the reason to protect them.

IM: You recently performed at the Wild Aid concert lighted on the weather channel. How has that helped you in te rms of exposure?

AJ : It has helped tremendously. I got exposed to a larger audience and performing in front of a multicultural audience was such and honor and unforgettable experience.I got to associate with different people from across the world.

IM: Besides the latest endorsements with Wild Aid? Tell us about other partnerships you are working with..

AJ : Yes, I have been e very fortunate and actively working with brands such as TECNO, itel, National Building Society, Monsta Wear, Charlie Stevens International just to mention those few.

This year has been the most active on brand endorsements and partnerships with corporates, individuals amongst others.

IM: What are the challenges you have faced as a female musician ; we understand the Zimbabwe music industry is more male dominated?

AJ : The industry has never really been an easy journey for female musicians. Some females are taken for granted and sometimes they are only promoted when forced to do things that they are uncomfortable with.

However, I always encourage women to stand their ground and respect themselves, hard work will always pay off.

IM: Describe the music business in your own words? How large is the industry & does it come with having to be trained and educated ?

AJ : When you are in the music industry you have influence, to encourage people or for some big artists we can maybe call it power resulting to it even being called a cult following, e.g., Beyonce, Nicki Minaj they sort of people who even worship them. I its very big you gain a lot of influence and when in such a position you need to be wise, humble and surround yourself with the right kind of mentors to guide you in the right direction on how you present or share your influence to people who are inspired by you.

Guidance and getting educated is always a plus coming from even the team that manages you falling into saying they is a whole business behind you as a musician.

People see you when you out there as an individual, but your team is the whole business.

As far as education is concerned, it is a right choice because as artists we can not only depend on music as the main contributor to your income, for we are all aware its short-lived career just like football but not contradicting myself yes indeed, music is a business you can make a living out of it , if you work professionally with the right management structure..

Lastly you need people who should keep you grounded because sometimes fame gets to your head as we think we are most of the untouchable people in the world. Having a great team even helps you when you are in your darkest moments for some even go through depression and the most common one which is social media bullying.

IM: Encourage Zimbabwean aspiring female artists in particular , who would want to be where you are now with music?

AJ: Everyone's journey is different, but I encourage them to work harder and have the right people by their side. All the glitter is not gold so be ready to embrace th3 ups and downs that come with it Never take any chance for granted and just be you. It's never going to be a walk in the park .