HARARE — Nash TV — once celebrated as a launchpad for emerging talent and a unifying force across Zimbabwe’s music landscape — has officially shut down, marking the end of an era for the country’s arts sector. The announcement, released yesterday through an official statement, sent shockwaves across the industry and left many young artists anxious about what comes next.
By Tina Musonza
For years, Nash TV had become a cultural powerhouse. With more than one million followers on Facebook and thousands more on Instagram, it connected artists to audiences across genres including Zim hip-hop, Zimdancehall, Afro-pop, and contemporary fusion. It emerged as a digital hub at a time when musicians were struggling for visibility and opportunity.
Founder Tinashe Mutarisi reflected on the platform’s journey with a mixture of pride and emotion. He said he ventured into the arts sector during the COVID-19 lockdowns, driven by concern for Zimbabwean youths who were stuck indoors with shrinking opportunities and stifled dreams.
“I entered this industry during lockdown, and a sense of responsibility hit me. I was concerned about the future of Zimbabwean youths. They were confined indoors, and it felt as though their dreams were at risk,” he said. He added that he encountered many talented young artists, often on TikTok, who had no guidance on how to market themselves. “I love music, and that is why I wanted to make sure those talented young artists were put in the spotlight.”
Despite Nash TV’s success, Mutarisi announced that he is stepping away from media. “My main goal was to inspire, and I want to continue inspiring people, though not within the media field,” he said. His future focus is on entrepreneurship — a journey that has taken him from rural Makwarimba in Hwedza to becoming a board member at BancABC and recently opening Foodies, a fast-food outlet in Harare. He said mentoring his son, Tinashe Mutarisi Jr, is part of his commitment to shaping future business leaders.
He believes Zimbabwe remains a fertile ground for focused and determined young people, and he has faith that the artists shaped by Nash TV — including Saintfloew, Nisha Ts, Ninety6, and Raymer — are equipped to continue thriving. “I understand it may be painful at first, but I believe I did justice for the artists who worked with Nash TV. What I instilled in them will grow with them.”
Mutarisi praised Nisha Ts for emerging as one of the industry’s young leaders and said his role with artists was to provide direction and protection in a demanding environment. He noted that Saintfloew, who joined Nash TV already popular, benefited from improved structure and bookings and now has shows lined up until April. He also defended the quality of Saintfloew’s latest album, saying listeners are now appreciating tracks featuring Attention, Gemma Griffiths, and Felly Nandi.
Raymer, he added, is experiencing a rapid rise. “Sponsors in the UK called offering him US$3,500 after seeing his South African show. He doesn’t even have a band yet, and sponsors have agreed to create one for him in the UK.” He dismissed negative narratives surrounding the South African performance, saying the venue was fully packed and police only intervened because of overcrowding.
Mutarisi also commended Ninety6, describing his music as deep and soulful, and noted that the young artist is now receiving bookings.
Nash TV’s shutdown closes an influential chapter that began in 2018 under Nash Holdings. The platform rose to prominence during the COVID-19 lockdowns, providing virtual performances when live shows were banned. It quickly amassed a large following by livestreaming concerts, producing “colour vibes” music videos, launching riddim competitions, and offering artists full project support — from production to marketing.
Its model provided critical exposure for emerging musicians. Jah Master’s hit Hello Mwari and Holy Ten’s Mwana Ndakubirayi were among the breakthrough songs that emerged from Nash TV’s riddim competitions, earning the artists US$1,000 and US$3,000 respectively. The platform offered free or low-cost visuals, recording, and promotion, becoming a lifeline for artists without access to traditional studios or record labels.
Among those most affected by the shutdown is Nisha Ts, who shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing sadness and gratitude. She said Nash TV introduced her to the world, believed in her voice before anyone else did, and shaped her artistic journey. “Though this chapter is closing, its impact stays with me forever,” she wrote.
Her tribute reflects the broader mood across the industry, where Nash TV is remembered not just as a platform but as a mentor, a bridge, and a catalyst for many careers. Its closure leaves a significant gap, but its legacy — and the artists it helped shape — continues to resonate.
For Mutarisi, Nash TV may be ending, but his mission to inspire and empower young Zimbabweans is far from over.
