A group of talented, young musicians are in the midst of recording their own album after receiving a major career boost from the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).
The eight musicians were granted the opportunity after winning a song writing competition that was hosted in several towns across the province in 2018 in partnership with Music Exchange.
The competition saw workshops and auditions hosted in Rheenendal and Smutsville in Knysna, Beaufort West and Cape Town during November and December last year.
Eight winners were selected from the auditions, and they entered the studio in October to start recording tracks for what will be a compilation album.
Mary Jane Zimri described the entire experience as life-changing and gave some insight into the inspiration for her song.
“I came to a point where I felt writing a message to women out there saying it is okay to be the woman that says no, that valuing yourself as a temple is not something to be ashamed of. I wanted to let girls out there know that it is okay to be the good girl,” she said.
Since the competition concluded last year, Mary Jane and the seven other winners have also, as part of the prize, taken part in a six-month mentorship programme lead by professional musicians and attended the Music Exchange conference along with many of the industry’s top professionals.
“The wonderful thing about this song writing competition is that as an artist you are not only given the chance to record but your development is also monitored. One is mentored from an up-and-coming artist to a professional artist. Your music is also promoted, which is difficult to do on your own,” said winner Thembelani Poto, who goes by the stage name Latosh.
As part of the prize the eight winners have also been granted the opportunity to perform at various music festivals in the province.
“What we want to achieve through this project is to get these artists out there and help them to promote themselves and earn a living in the music industry,” said DCAS Arts and Culture project manager, William Masemola.
DCAS is committed to giving talented young artists a valuable platforms to developed their skills. BETTER TOGETHER.
Dr Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877 / 076 093 4913
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za