The state and music policy in post-colonial Zimbabwe, 1980-2000.

Zimbabwean musicians continue to struggle to earn a living and respect decades after ushering in the country's independence in song and dance. This article locates the roots of the problem in the independent state's ill-conceived cultural disposition, which failed to appreciate the country's music as an important cultural and economic activity. It argues that the government's policy towards music was characterised by apparent indifference - an inappropriate stance towards the needs of an expanding sector that absorbed multitudes of unemployed Zimbabweans. It exposes the facade behind the proscription of most 'foreign' music from the country's broadcasting media after 2000, under the guise of promoting 'local' talent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]