By: Siphiwe Ngcongco
Local artists will subsequently have the luxury of recording their music here at home, thanks to a sponsorship by the Northern Cape Government which unveiled a state-of-the-art recording studio in Kimberley on 27 February.
Premier Dr. Zamani Saul presided over the unveiling of the new studio along with MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Diesery Fienies including MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Abrahams Vosloo. The studio comprises the latest recording technology and equipment.
Saul said that he appreciated local artists’ perseverance in knocking at his door and never losing hope despite being financially strangled when having to record a song. “With the new studio infrastructure, a financial injection will be vitally needed to provide proper maintenance and make the investment worth it,” he said.
“I hope we will appreciate it and on the next visit, the studio should not be vandalised or in a debilitated state. Other district music artists can also use the studio to produce quality music for their audiences”.
Vosloo said they saw the importance of the Tourism department getting involved in developing the creative sector.
“We saw an opportunity for investment in the arts and culture industry. To date, we sponsored arts development to the tune of R2.9m. There is still outstanding work. In the final analysis, we will spend R3.8m in the provincial youth and SMMEs,” highlighted Vosloo.
Tshiamo “Tshidamagg” Seane, a Kimberley-based artist, said the studio is at their convenience and no longer sees reason to go to Gauteng to record quality sound. “Having to record in the backroom kills our artistry due to poor equipment,” he said.
“I am thankful to our provincial government for building a beautiful establishment to improve the quality of our music and offer our followers an outstanding service. But I want to know the dynamics of the system. How will it work around the clock since there are many aspiring artists and I foresee heavy musician traffic?” questioned the musician.
Ongeziwe “Wezz” Phillips, a rap artist based in De Aar, said it was a good initiative for the provincial government to invest in the arts to enable them to improve their music. Despite having to travel 250km, Phillips says it will be worth it since there is a great chance the sound will reach the music producer’s ears.
Moreover, provincial radio stations will provide opportunities for local artists’ music to reach community audiences.
However, Ruark “Paco” Cloete, an artist from the Namakwa region, feels their district is neglected regarding new developments and opportunities.
“At some phase, it was mentioned that Namakwa was the region to host a music hub and we are still waiting. It is understandable for the provincial government to establish a recording studio in Kimberley since it is the province’s capital city. We hope there won’t be any struggles when artists from other districts want to record as the finances will strangle us going there. I hope their administration will also be proper”.
Tshepang Makhetha, provincial Cultural & Creative Industries Federation of South Africa chairperson, said they are yet to administrate the system’s dynamics together with DSAC and Northern Cape Arts Culture Council (NCACC) to be favourable for all provincial artists.
“The Provincial music hub outlined at district and provincial congresses is yet to be finalized. The program will be hosted at Namakwa district and CCIFSA Flagship will lead the process”, he said.
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