Award winning musician inspires National School of Arts learners at Jazz for Young People Workshop
Award-winning artist Msaki empowered young musicians to embrace their creative side, form healthy artistic habits, and seek opportunities during the Jazz for Young People Workshop at the National School of the Arts.
Award-winning artist Asanda ‘Msaki’ Mvana availed herself recently to the National School of the Arts (NSA), sharing inspirational words and advice to student musicians during the Jazz for Young People Workshop on July 21.
The workshop forms part of a development programme of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, and brought together learners to explore songwriting, composition, creativity, wellness, and venturing into successful careers in the world of art.
Mvana said she wanted the workshop to not only focus on teaching musical skills, but to encourage learners to think about their growth in the creative industry.
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“I wanted to start a conversation about their creative health, their longevity, ways of practising, and seeing how to intentionally grow in this space, so that there’s more of an integration between the practical and the more philosophical way of thinking about creativity.”
She emphasised the importance of creating spaces for young people to develop and discover their talents.
“If we don’t put these structures in place, we’re not giving young people tools to be able to use this as a viable way to take care of themselves, change their families, and communities.”
Brenda Sakellarides, NSA’s artistic director, said the school is delighted to host the workshop again, which is now in its third year.
Sakellarides said the programme is very important because it gives learners an opportunity to acquire knowledge directly from industry professionals, while connecting education and the professional side of the industry.
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“We embrace all opportunities that represent a bridge into the professional sector.”
Rue Muchenje, a learner who attended the workshop, said she wanted to learn from Mvana’s experiences, and gain different viewpoints on her own music journey. “I was really excited to learn about her experience. I’m always open to learn more.”
Muchenje said one of the biggest lessons she took from the session was to fully unleash her creativity.
“I’ve learned that you must not always use the closed mode of your brain. You must also use the open mode and venture into your creative aspect.”
Mvana advised aspiring artists to put themselves in creative environments, where they can grow. “Find the nearest, most welcoming place where you can be part of something, whether it’s a choir, drama group, poetry circle, or local open mic space.”
The workshop ended with the learners playing their instruments and Mvana closing it off with a song.
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