Envision Brand, a local company championing local creativity and artists, in partnership with Arts and Culture Department of Gauteng, hosted a ‘Dialogue with the legends’ on 18 March.
Through the dialogue, artists discussed problems they had identified within the industry as well as what they would love to see the industry evolve into. Envision Brand’s founder, Boitumelo Mkhondo said the event came as a result of Covid-19 and seeing a lot of artists suffer because they had no income for the duration of the lockdown.
She added that Envision had identified legends who had been in the industry to give youngsters advice on how the industry operated, what opportunities there were that artists could look out for as well as how creatives could remain relevant.
Legendary actor and singer, Linah Ngcobo said artists should unite. “Do not try to be an island because unity is power. When we are united and speak the same language we are able to forge ahead,” said Ngcobo.
She added that there were many challenges in the industry but that did not mean that these could not be rectified. “We need to overcome our fears, never mind what has happened to us before, so we can move forward. Get advice from other experienced artists as well.”
Actor Elliot Makhubo highlighted some of the common issues affecting the youth today. Makhubo said fame drove a lot of young creatives mad and they may be tempted by drugs and alcohol. He urged youngsters to slow down and get themselves closer to people who could guide them.
Makhubo said he also had concerns about artists not being credited properly which may lead them to lose future opportunities and believed that they should be assisted by the government.
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