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Music industry not as glamorous

Seasoned singer Dan Nkosi who has been in the music industry for three decades says music industry is not as glamorous as it looks.

The former 'Bubble-gum' star who produced hits in the 1980s, was speaking at the Music and Craft workshop last week in Mofolo, Soweto. The workshop as organised by  Omama Besxaxa Foundation and made possible  by Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

Artists  such as Isigqi, Omama Besixaxa and  traditional groups entertained the audience.

In a  workshop attended by both young and old, Nkosi appealed to young people to pursue other careers within in the music industry.

Nkosi took the audience through the ins and outs of the music industry. He touched on issues such as royalties, performance rights, composing rights, contract signing and industry terms.

“The workshop was crucial because people need to know this industry operates before joining," he says.

“During our time many people were signing contracts that they did not even understand. Company owners used to hide some clauses. As a musicians you find yourself struggling to get out the contract.”

Nkosi is worried that all young people want to be musicians because they want fame and stardom. As someone who has seen it all,  Nkosi says if he had a way he would stop people from getting into the industry.

“This is one of the most difficult industries where the other  day you are a  hit and the next you are forgotten. There are many careers that they can do.”

Omama Besxaxa Foundation, is  non-profit organisation that was founded two years ago with the purpose to impart and share knowledge of traditional art forms.

Nelisiwe Dladla of Omama Besxaxa says the organisations plans to host more workshops on craft and stage performances.

“We are aiming to conduct workshops as well as stage performances in different categories. We hope to reach and improve indigenous acting, poetry, music, fine art, traditional dance, bead work and presentation. The above mentioned values play a big role like taking children away from the streets and have a point of focus.”

 Dladla further says in  future they plan to stage performance with fashion shows.

“The foundation plans to use those fashion to collect food and clothes for those who are in need. We want to contribute to disadvantages communities. Through these projects we will be contributing to towards the growth of the nations.”

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