Earread podcast something new
The podcast industry in Merafong is growing, with the emergence of local podcasts like Men of Honour by Bongi Frans.
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Another podcast making waves locally is the Earread podcast by a local rapper, Subsir. Podcasting has become popular internationally in the digital era. A podcast is a pre-recorded audio or visual programme in a digital format for listeners or viewers worldwide to download from the Internet.
Subsir has performed at different events and through his literary work with Khutsong Literary Club. He is also an audiobook narrator, involved in a new book, “Love Letters To Merafong”, in collaboration with author and poet Kgosietsile Monoto. “We have published a compilation of essays with concerned community members to spark interest within the community,” he said.
The Earread Podcast has hosted several local personalities. There was recently a special edition with Thabo Mahavatar Ascendant (Harvey) Ramaine. The theatre actor, director, poet and filmmaker has flown Merafong’s flag high nationally through his work. His play “Blacksmith” won first prize at a theatre play festival at the legendary Market Theatre in Johannesburg. In the recent episode, currently available online, the theatre practitioner focused on delving deeper into his part in a theatrical production, “Sikhahlel’u”, that he worked on. It is a praise poem and tribute by Professor Wally Serote to the late Oliver Tambo, the longest-serving president of the ruling party.
“Thabo Mahavatar Ramaine takes us on a journey of what it means to have been a part of turning this book into a theatrical piece,” said Subsir.
The play opened at the South African State Theatre for a week in March. The Earread project reviews the book and theatrical piece through the lens and experience of Mahavatar, who got to live the words on stage.
The Earread Project emerged from the Khutsong Literary Club NPO as an initiative to signify the importance of reading and writing on a digital scale through podcasting and contribute to the transition towards electronic publishing through audiobook conversion and e-pub services.