Ma9Nine Opens Wazin Family Studios to Empower Bulawayo Artists and Transform Zimbabwe’s Music Industry

Bulawayo’s music industry has received a major boost following the launch of Wazin Family Studios by celebrated Zimdancehall artist Ma9Nine in Magwegwe North. The new recording facility is expected to create fresh opportunities for musicians from Bulawayo and the wider Matabeleland region by giving them direct access to some of Zimbabwe’s most respected music producers. The project reflects Ma9Nine’s commitment to developing local talent and ensuring that artists outside Harare have equal opportunities to succeed. By establishing a professional recording space in Bulawayo, the musician hopes to remove many of the barriers that have limited the growth of emerging performers. The launch of Wazin Family Studios marks an important step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s music ecosystem through greater regional inclusion and collaboration.

For many years, artists from Bulawayo have faced challenges when trying to access top producers, quality recording facilities and valuable industry connections. Many musicians have been forced to travel long distances to Harare or even Johannesburg to record music, collaborate with established producers and seek career opportunities. These journeys often involve significant financial costs that many upcoming artists cannot afford. Wazin Family Studios aims to solve this problem by bringing professional production services directly to Bulawayo. This approach allows talented musicians to focus on developing their craft without the added burden of expensive travel and accommodation costs.

One of the studio’s biggest attractions is its plan to host some of Zimbabwe’s leading music producers, including Oskid and Tamuka. Both producers have built impressive reputations for working with successful artists and producing chart-topping songs across different genres. Their presence in Bulawayo will give local musicians access to professional expertise that was previously concentrated in Harare. Working with experienced producers can help artists improve their sound, refine their songwriting and produce commercially competitive music. These collaborations also increase the chances of local musicians reaching wider audiences both within Zimbabwe and internationally.

The name Wazin Family Studios comes from Ma9Nine’s well-known “Wazin” chant, which has become one of his trademarks throughout his music career. The studio represents much more than just a business venture because it reflects his long-term vision of supporting young talent and building a stronger music community. According to Ma9Nine, the facility is open to every artist regardless of their background or musical style. His goal is to create an environment where creativity is encouraged and where musicians can learn from experienced professionals. This inclusive approach is expected to attract artists from across Zimbabwe who are looking for high-quality recording services and career development opportunities.

Ma9Nine has also outlined ambitious plans for the studio by setting a target of producing at least five breakthrough artists before the end of the year. This objective demonstrates his confidence in the abundance of musical talent found in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. Rather than simply offering recording services, the studio intends to actively identify promising performers and help them build sustainable careers. This support may include mentorship, music production, networking opportunities and exposure to industry professionals. Such a structured talent development model has the potential to produce the next generation of Zimbabwean music stars.

An important feature of the project is the promotion of what Ma9Nine describes as “Big Ndebele,” a creative identity that celebrates Ndebele culture through modern music. Zimbabwe’s music industry continues to benefit from artists who embrace local languages and cultural influences while creating contemporary sounds that appeal to broad audiences. By encouraging musicians to express themselves authentically, Wazin Family Studios can contribute to preserving cultural identity while supporting commercial success. Music created in indigenous languages continues to attract growing audiences across Southern Africa and beyond. This cultural focus gives artists a unique identity that helps them stand out in a competitive entertainment industry.

Ma9Nine’s own career serves as an example of how originality and determination can lead to success. He is widely recognised as the first artist to perform Zimdancehall in the Ndebele language, helping to expand the genre beyond its traditional boundaries. His popular songs, including “Windi Womtshova” and “Chimuti,” featuring Enzo Ishall, have earned him recognition across Zimbabwe. His achievements also include winning the Bulawayo Arts Awards Outstanding Alternative Music award, highlighting his contribution to the country’s music scene. Before establishing himself in Zimdancehall, Ma9Nine began his musical journey as an acapella and Afro-pop singer, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to evolve as an artist.

The establishment of Wazin Family Studios could have lasting benefits for Bulawayo’s creative economy. Recording studios often become hubs where musicians, producers, songwriters, videographers and other creative professionals work together to produce quality entertainment. As more artists choose to record in Bulawayo, the city could attract additional investment in music production, events and creative businesses. This growth can create employment opportunities while helping to position Bulawayo as an important centre for Zimbabwean music. Increased collaboration between artists from different regions may also strengthen the country’s music industry by encouraging innovation and cultural exchange.

Wazin Family Studios represents more than the opening of a new recording facility because it reflects a vision of equal opportunity, talent development and regional empowerment. By bringing renowned producers such as Oskid and Tamuka to Bulawayo, Ma9Nine is helping to remove long-standing barriers that have limited access to professional music production. His commitment to supporting artists from Matabeleland and across Zimbabwe has the potential to transform many careers while strengthening the country’s creative industry. If the studio achieves its goal of producing new breakthrough artists, it could become one of Zimbabwe’s most influential music development centres. The initiative stands as a powerful example of how successful artists can invest in their communities and help shape the future of African music.