Joy of Jazz taught local artists the pros and cons
Turning talent into careers.
The Joy of Jazz (JOJ) and Innovating Kasi Organisation (IKO) held a music industry workshop at the Diepkloof Community Hall last week Thursday. The workshop invited over 150 up-coming artists and taught them about the pros and cons of the music industry.
The programme lasted the whole day and dissected how artists can market themselves as professional and independent artists. The people who attended the workshop ranged from songwriters, composers, engineers artist’s managers and the community of Diepkloof. They were given in-depth lessons about marketing, financial management, promotion, distribution and manufacturing and publishing.
The chairperson and production manager for IKO Esther Padi said, “One of the primary objectives of the organisation is to turn artistic skills into lucrative careers and this workshop is the first of many.”
Padi said, “We want to change the mindset of the black child and are striving to be the music industry hub.”
The facilitator of the event Ernie Smith shared his knowledge about relevant songwriting and his experience as an independent artist, he said, “It is very important for young artists to comprehend the influence of a song, they should start creating music that will heal the nation.”
One of South Africa’s legendary jazz musician, Concord Nkabinde said, “I like that artists finally met to discuss instead performing because we must educate young artists who are the future of the music industry.”
T Music man is one of the companies that handle JOJ’s events; the founder of T Music man Sipho Dlamini thanked the COJ for sponsoring the initiative and said, “I would like to congratulate the young team of IKO for such an educational workshop.”
Sipho Maseko of IKO said, “There will be more workshops like this one across Soweto.”
Maseko urged people to call their offices for more information on 081 306 3207.
