Sulu was speaking at the launch of his new website at the GreenCard Medical Aid Society offices in Harare on the evening of July 4, 2012.
“They [companies] are free to come and advertise their products on the website,” he said. “The Sulu fan page on Facebook has about 5 500 to it’s an opportunity for corporate to invest in such a product… it’s a brand, it’s now a force to reckon with in the music industry, so we have learnt.”
He also urged support for the site as advertising proceeds from it would go towards Vane Vedu Children’s Home in Chegutu which Sulu supports. “I chose a charity in Chegutu because that’s where I come from,” he explained.
Sulu spoke about how the young generation should take a cue from international artists like Akon and use the Internet more.
He also said he has been scouting for talent so that he could help talented young artists to get a platform to perform and thanked GreenCard for being the first company to step in to help in this area.
On the sidelines of the launch, Sulu told Zimbo Jam how important it was for him to be able to reach his fans around the world. “We get enquiries from all over the world, with people asking for our music,” he said, “but often we cannot help them. The website will enable us to do that now.”
Speaking at the launch, Busi Dube, who is the head of Marketing and Public Relations at GreenCard said that they were proud to partner with Chimbetu and looked forward to a long relationship with the musician.
Entertainment at the event was provided by well-known comedian Toropito, who had members of the press and invited guests in stitches with his comic take on news reading.
Sulu is one of the top three crowd pullers in Zimbabwe, along with Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso. His shows are often jam packed with fans, be they in the capital Harare or anywhere else in the country.
Unfortunately, Zimbabwean companies have been slow to realise the pulling power of local celebrities and public personalities.
Notable endorsements in recent years include Roy and Royce with Nugget, Stunner with G-Tide Cellular (now G-Tel), Tuku with FBC Mastercard, Malaika Mushandu with TN Bank and Mai Chisamba with Harpic Toilet Cleaner.
However, even top artists in the country struggle to get endorsements and support from corporate entities, who prefer to put their money into billboards, TV, radio advertising and dated print ad campaigns.
In June this year GreenCard signed Sulu on as their brand ambassador. Under the two year deal GreenCard will offer Sulu and his band medical aid cover and Sulu will represent their Celebrity Cover package.
