By Refilwe Mphirime
Music hopefuls flocked to the Mayibuye Cultural Center for the first interactive Northern Cape Music Conference and Exhibition. Moitshepi Holdings collaborated with the National Arts Council and Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on 8 May.
The gathering commenced with a moment of silence to honour the late Vusi Sikhupelo, known as Duke Soul, who played a significant role in developing the music industry in Kimberley.
CEO for the Northern Cape National Arts Council, Charles Maema, reflected on the effect of Covid-19, mentioning the crippling effect the pandemic has on many artists and their families. “Hence we are happy for these initiatives,” he added.
MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Desery Fenies, stressed the importance of working together between the department and artists.
Lesego Khunkhube, from Moitshepi Holdings, said the exhibition aims to inspire up and coming artists and help them understand the ins and outs of the music industry. “Our first conference was held virtually last year due to the pandemic. We anticipate reaching more people this year,” said Khunkhube.
Four accomplished artists shared insight and advice on different aspects of the music industry.
Qualified electrical engineer and record label owner Sir LSG addressed the participants on the importance of copyright and publishing. “Artists lack knowledge on legal matters, therefore it is important to have imbizos to address such issues,” he said.
Analytics and content operations specialist at Africori, Tumisho Noto, including marketing established record companies including Soulistic Music, presented on trends of digital sales marketing. “Fridays are the best days to release your music,” he advised.
The legendary disc jockey, Vinny Da Vinci, boasting more than 20 years of experience, remarked on longevity in the music industry despite challenges.
A delegate, Gift Bosman, indicated that the conference was an eye-opener, specifically digital sales marketing. “We need fellow artists to help us grow within this industry. Taking into consideration the impact the pandemic has on us, we have had no gigs and have been forced to go digital,” he said.
Artists had an opportunity for their work to be reviewed by the panelist, who provided feedback during one-on-one sessions.
The stalls exhibited various products, including jewelry, caps and hoodies, with vendors using their gains for different reasons. Twenty-four-year-old Omphemetse Raadt, sold branded Masibambisane T-shirts, “the proceedings will go towards helping disabled young people,” explained Omphemetse.
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