Eastern Cape entertainer and musician Zintle Kwaaiman and Rapulane Mothlabane, known as Malume Womdantso, hosted a four-day talent-booster in East London for aspiring stars across the province.
Eastern Cape music industry names including Dalikhaya “Master Dee” Zilimbola, Ikhona Pahlane Zwide, Vuyisa “Mr Vee” Sholo and Busie Smith acted as mentors during the Eastern Cape Lock-in Session event, where songwriting, music compiling and presentation lessons were given to 30 artists in various genres and five people were taught music production.
Mothlabane said the initiative imparted industry insights needed to succeed.
“This camp was not only about recording songs, but to educate the up-and-comers about the music business and things you need to be aware of in the industry.
“We observed that in the Eastern Cape we are left behind in terms of creative knowledge and up-and-coming creatives leave home for Johannesburg.
“With this initiative we want to make it possible to start working in the industry at home.
“We have already registered some of the musicians with Samro [Southern African Music Rights Organisation].
“For all the projects we worked on while on camp, each artist who participated will get a split according to their work.
“We even advised them what to do when approached by record labels.”
Participant Afikile “FIX D” Dlakavu, from Highway Gardens in East London, said it had been an amazing experience.
“I had anxiety the night before because I was there both as a vocalist and producer,” Dlakavu said.
“I was not worried about the singing, but to have to produce a song on the spot with vocalists waiting made my heart skip a beat.
“But when I arrived, everyone was welcoming, even the national artists who were there as mentors.”
Afro-soul singer and songwriter Zwide said she was thrilled to have been part of this programme as not much happened in the province to encourage up-and-coming artists.
“I really wish gatherings of this nature could be a norm in our province.
“For Eastern Cape-based artists to know there is a hub for us to gather and be the creatives we are ... It encourages collaborations and creatives not to limit themselves."
Kwaaiman said they were excited to see what the future held.
Daily Dispatch
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