Documenting the DJ movement
Ernest Mabitsela explains that shooting the documentary was no easy feat but that they managed to overcome their financial constraints.
LIMPOPO – A group of six young people have come together to capture the times and trials of young musicians in the Mankweng area.
Ernest Mabitsela, Makobane Mogashoa, Orifha Rambau, Matome Lebepe, Kabelo Koma and Gabrielle Tumelo aka Mr Gab produced the documentary, The Beat SA to highlight the hard work local house DJs put into their craft.
It was shot in different locations around Mankweng. According to Ernest Mabitsela, the brainchild of the project, they wanted to bring fans a step closer to their favourite musicians. “We noticed that not a lot of emphasis was paid to the people behind the music and that is why we stepped in. We saw that house is one of the most popular genres in the country but the public doesn’t know the people making their favourite hits. We interviewed the artists and performers on camera and got to know them on a personal level,” Mabitsela said.
The pilot episode is done and ready to be aired, and the team now looks to produce 13 more episodes.
Mabitsela explained that shooting the documentary was no easy feat with financial constraints plaguing their effort throughout the process. “Most of us are unemployed and we had to use our own money to try and make this dream a reality. We borrowed all the equipment from one friend of ours so we had to come up with unique ways to save money,” he explained.
The group hope to fulfill their dream of shooting more episodes with the aid of sponsors, and hope their documentary will be broadcast soon. Mabitsela’s advice to young people is simple and straight forward. “Everything starts with a dream. You have to go after what you want and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
Read more about the team in tomorrow’s edition of Bonus Review
