Women musicians were given a boost during a production bootcamp that took place at Langa’s Bridges for Music Academy on Women’s Day, Friday August 9.
Bridges for Music Academy said the event was also aimed to increase women’s applications for its talent development programme.
The Women’s Music Production Bootcamp was organised in partnership with Sneaker LAB, for an inspiring day dedicated to empowering aspiring female vocalists and music producers.
The event featured composer, singer, and songwriter, Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, professionally known as Msaki, producer Kay Faith, and engineer Claire Anderson from Milestone Studios.
The Bridges for Music’s Mkhululi Jonas said the main goal of the bootcamp was to transform the traditionally male-dominated field of music production by providing accessible training and fostering a supportive environment for women. He said the participants engaged in hands-on production sessions, skill-sharing, and networking opportunities designed to boost their confidence and technical abilities.
As they started with the workshop, Msaki broke the ice by allowing each participant to sing and verse in a song she strummed.
“In your creation space, especially when you are writing with others, my advice would be trust your first idea, trust yourself, never doubt it. It is not going to be the best but go with the momentum so that you don’t go an hour later and now you are stressing and now the anxiety is building. Nothing is coming out, you kill your ideas before they even come out,” she advised.
The East London-born musician’s vision for the workshop was to make music production approachable and fun, breaking down barriers and encouraging women to see themselves as producers and studio leaders.
Aspiring musician Phile Moyakhe said she found the workshop interesting and exciting.
She said she enjoyed being out with other women to share the space and gain experience. “I took this initiative to embark on my musical journey. I am out here to gain insight and experience with regards to music. I am with other women to create the space and and develop God’s given talent,” she said.
Phile said she is from a musical family but her nobody else has pursued formal training. She finds herself lucky to be among other musicians.
Another excited musician was Lea-anne Matshongo who was happy to be part of an all-women event.
“I am here to get tips and learn how to have my rightful space. I was really excited to be part of such beautiful event and meet wonderful women.”
