09 Mar 2015

Young artistes must work together in order for them to be recognised by government. That was said by Lloyd of Wizards of the Desert at a Youth Artiste Health Workshop organised by Galore Productions in Lobatse recently.

Lloyd said artistes were just like ambassadors of their country as most people were more familiar with them than most country officials. He cited the Nigerian music star P-Square whom he said was familiar to everyone yet most of the people did not know his country’s president as much as they knew the music star.

The workshop was organised to appreciate how youth artistes conducted their businesses and took care of their health. Galore Productions chief executive officer, Kaone Nthebolang said the workshop also aimed at informing artistes about available grants and opportunities.

He further revealed that as Galore Productions, they had started an organisation called First and Best which would provide students with prizes in four categories of dance, music, poetry and modelling during prize giving ceremonies in their schools. That, he said, also provided a platform for students to launch their careers.

On health issues, the health education officer, Mrs Lucrecia Moremi, from the District Aids Multi Sectoral Committee (DAMSC) informed artistes about their concept of getting to zero new infections by 2015 which mainly targeted the youth.

She said they aimed to reach their target of zero new infections and zero discrimination by end of this year.

Mrs Moremi also urged artistes to play a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, adding statistics indicated that the number of HIV infected people had increased from 16.8 to 17.2 per cent, or 5000 people in Lobatse.

On the other hand, DJ Jozi also encouraged artistes to know what they wanted in the industry and not destroy their careers. He urged other artistes never to focus on making money only but also on education and their health.

Brian Matii from Flexi Ville crew said they had a project called 8 Bs which they mainly use to educate students through music and drama. He said 8 B’s was a message to students, translated to ‘Bring Books Before Boys Because Boys Bring Babies’. The workshop was held under the theme: “Pursuing careers, furthering education, or starting their own business.” ENDS