Soweto street performers receive support from government
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture launched the much anticipated Andre Makhaya Street Echoes programme in Orlando. The aim behind the initiative was to support street performers and give them a platform to showcase their talents.
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture launched the much anticipated Andre Makhaya Street Echoes programme in Orlando. The aim behind the initiative was to support street performers and give them a platform to showcase their talents.
The project was named after Andrew Makhaya, who played a pivotal role in the planning of the project and mentoring of the performers. He sadly passed on late last year. The MEC Mbali Hlophe-led initiative groomed and supported street performers to give them a platform to showcase their talent and empower them. The groups have been with Street Echoes since last year and were invited from all over the Gauteng province.
Head of Department (HOD), Priscilla Masisi said it was important to give the artists a platform, and announced they would be performing at all the department’s events.
“It’s important that we give them the platform and the exposure to forge successful careers from their talents. The department has decided that they will perform at all our events as a way of recognising and acknowledging them,” she said.
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The groups got the chance to perform for an audience of media and businesses. Speaking on behalf of the dance group, Via Red Carpet, Lucky Khasane said he appreciated the effort made by the department.
“It is a great initiative that has allowed us to meet other groups, network, and discuss potential gigs. We hope that from these programmes we can get better opportunities to show our talent,” he said.
Sowetan group, Shakers and Movers was also part of the initiative, the group’s Madamo said this was the first step but more needed to be done.
“Artists face a lot of challenges, especially after the Covid – 19 pandemic, and things have tough. We are glad to see the government stepping up to support us and would like to see this project continue. I think a lot more needs to be done in terms of supporting performers like these who have not been getting any support from the government before this project,” he said.
The family of the late Andrew Makhya was also honoured at the event.
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