The music industry requires artists to respect their craft and talent, but most importantly, they should understand that this is a business more than anything and it should be treated as such.
This was the key message delivered to young aspiring artists who gathered for a workshop at Endlovini community hall in Gugulethu last Friday. The workshop was hosted by the Ziyawamo Arts and Culture programme under the theme “Music is business”. The workshop aimed to equip young artists with skills which could help them make informed decisions in their career. Guests from various sectors, including radio personalities, graced the occasion and shared their wealth of knowledge.
Ziyawamo Arts and Culture programme founder, Mzukisi “Mzura” Khuse, said such workshops were designed to create a platform for young artists and an opportunity for them to learn more about the craft and its business side.
He said it was critical that young artists were equipped with skills and information in the early years of their careers so that they do not make mistakes which could easily be avoided. He hopes to see the artists who attended the workshop releasing their own albums and using the knowledge they learnt.
He wants to see them get their careers off the ground and build respectable brands.
Mr Khuse said he has never been sued for using some one else’s songs or beat because he has surrounded him
He said young artists should conduct themselves professionally. “If none of you has released an album in the next five years using this knowledge from this workshop then we have failed.
“The purpose of this workshops is to steer you into the right direction. We want to take your craft to another level. Learn more so that you can better yourself,” he said. Head of school at Soul Candi, Blanka Mazamela, said it was important that they share their knowledge and information so that they grow their brand. Mr Mazamela said they teach music production and other music-related skills at the school.
He said the school committed to awarding three bursaries, such as a one-year music production course, eight-week course on business and an eight-week course on deejaying.
He said through such efforts they wanted to afford these young artists a rare opportunity to learn more about the industry. He said what they have discovered from up-and-coming artists, particularly DJs, was that there is a lack of knowledge about the ins and outs of the industry.
He said these young artists often take their careers for granted and often fail to understand that this is a business. Mr Mazamela said they wanted to shape their thinking and help them avoid making silly mistakes. Sikelela “Six Dreamchaser” Ramba, said such workshops were critical in empowering them as emerging artists so that they could protect their music.
He said many artists in Cape Town did not have the privilege of attending such workshops to learn more about the industry.