22 Feb 2015

Ghanzi performing contemporary artistes will for the first time have the privilege to have a music seminar, which will equip them with skills and knowledge to improve their craft. 

Ghanzi music conference and concert, scheduled for February 28, is a concept by Modern Elements aimed at sensitising Ghanzi artistes, especially those in contemporary genre on making music a business to survive on.

After realising that Ghanzi performing artistes are not recognised and not even exposed, Modern Elements spokesperson, Bokamoso ‘Dj Bekz’ Koogane came up with a way to put them on the market for Batswana to know them.

Dj Bekz says there is talent among the Zomaland artistes; the only thing that is lacking is the right exposure and good market for their products.

He also says artistes will have an opportunity to learn the technical knowhow, understanding of the equipment and most importantly to convert their talents and passion into a profit making business and acquire recognition, not only in Ghanzi and nearby areas, but nationwide and even beyond borders.

He also says artistes will have an opportunity to network and learn of new developments and trends in the industry.

Like their predecessors, South African Music Conference (SAMC), which is a knowledge sharing platform for their participants; Ghanzi music conference will focus more on closing a gap that exits between contemporary artistes, said Dj Bekz.

He explains that in most cases some artistes are at a higher level in knowledge and skills while others are just at zero level with no experience whatsoever to make a living out of their talent.

Meanwhile, Dj Colastraw, who has been in the industry for 15 years, says artistes need to know that music is a business not just a hobby. 

That, he says will help in closing the gap.

He says if an artiste puts her/his mind to his craft as a business, he/she will know that no one owes him/her anything to give them the exposure that they always complain of; but that they should work hard and take their product out to the market.

Colastraw also emphasised the importance of desisting from copying other artistes work, adding that everyone is unique in their own way, and that one needs to take to people what they do not know.

He cited Ghanzi artistry, saying Ghanzi artistes need to improvise and modernise their rich traditional song and dance craft into contemporary and take it to people in Gaborone and other areas.

At the end of the conference, Dj Bekz says they expect artistes to be able to reach the annual President’s day competition final. 

He says Ghanzi artistes often do not do well in the competitions, let alone reach finals in large numbers as compared to other regions.

The Ghanzi music conference will be a one day event with 50 participants from the contemporary music genre.

It will be followed by a music concert in the evening, featuring Dj Colastraw, La Timmy, YDJ, Guyvos, Hank and Dj Bekz at the Ghanzi Community Hall at a charge of P60.

 The event is powered by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture in association with Modern Elements. ENDS