Don't stop - keep going!

I know many are probably tired of talking about the 2016 matriculation results and how those that were in the hot seats are so over it, especially if they didn't do so well.

I overheard one saying to his fellow that he will pursue a musical career and he was actually glad that he didn't make the cut because music is his “life”. From this conversation I have two questions on my mind… firstly, are there learners who actually fail so that they can do music? And secondly, is this how little people know about the industry? Shame guys....

I'm sure most of us use Google even for the most simplest of things and I'm pretty sure if artists want to be use the search engine to their advantage, they would find out that music as a career needs to be studied just like any other career. Well, that is if you want to be the best of them all.

Take a look at the iconic rock band Queen – every single member had a degree in music and look what they produced.

I'm sure we have seen and know of many of our local artists who thought they had it all just by having the voice but news flash!

They don't really make it as far as those that take the business side of music seriously.

Now imagine how advantaged you will be if you are the artist who emerges from a musical background with education!? Madonna, Childish Gambino, Hugh Jackman, Orlando Bloom, Robbin Williams, Sandra Bullock, Gift Uzera and Zindri Swarts.

These are a small example of people who thrive at what they do and they went to school. Of course you get exceptionally good artists who didn't go to school and still made it in life, but we are not all the same. What works for the next person may not work for you.

So if you didn't qualify to study medicine as you wanted, why don't you take a course at the College of the Arts (Cota) and find your inner talent and make it work for you.

There are courses like fine art, photography, fashion and design, music, drama and so much more at your fingertips. I bet your parents would rather send you to a renowned school than you take it on the streets, because you will fail dismally.

It is tough out there and even those that have been in the industry for some time are having challenges.

The University of Namibia also has a great arts department.

Go and try your luck! And only then should you refer to YouTube tutorials to help you play the cello.

Times have changed and the world is becoming a digital one. The way The Dogg and Gazza came into the limelight is not what will make you through today. Think twice and be cool for school!



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