By: Nomatshawe Bangani
In an effort to empower local artists, Buffalo City Metro Municipality called upon local singers, dancers and producers to take part in a capacity building workshop they hosted this week.
The workshop which was conducted over three days in East London, Mdantsane and King Williams Town mainly focused on educating artists on revenue stream, copyright, intellectual property, overview of value chains and professionalism.
Portfolio Head of Economic Development and Agencies in BCMM Councillor Mzwandile Vaaiboom who was heading the workshop said, the training is aimed to instil artists with the tools needed to generate income and improve their livelihood in the industry.
During the workshop artists accused the municipality of having this programme as a way to score votes but Vaaiboom said programmes done by municipality should not be linked to elections, people should take opportunities that they receive them with both hands.
“People should not receive programmes done by government in a negative manner. Elections come and go, if an opportunity comes a day before elections that should not stop you from grabbing it.” he said.
Vaaiboom also encouraged the artists to form a forum which will assist in better communication between artists and the municipality.
Lungelo Mamphofu a local artist who attended the Mdantsane workshop said the main challenge that local artists are faced with is funding and lack of business knowledge which hinders them from making a living from their artistry. He said BCM is rich in talent and he wishes that the government could do more to support upcoming artists whether it be funding or booking them in local events.
Mamphofu said although he specifically attended the workshop mainly to raise issues that most artists are afraid to ask to departmental officials, the workshop will be beneficial to the artist who want to gain knowledge on the business of art.
“Some artists are not fortunate enough to study music management, this workshop can assist them with knowledge of the technical things that come with managing themselves as artists and generating income.”