Let's get serious
I don't know what needs to be done for Namibian artists to start seriously investing in themselves and their art as a career. I hope the past weekend was really an eye opener for those that attended the Bush Party and the Otji Fest in Otjiwarongo. The thing is that the majority of the artists, when they hear 'event', they only think of how much they will make and that's it… yet there are so many things that make you get booked again by the same organisers should they host something similar.
Let's not even get into how we need more workshops so artists can be taught how to successfully sell themselves because there have been many hosted and how many show up? Let me leave it there. I guess what needs to be discussed now is if this is the industry we all want to leave behind for our children to carry on with. The disrespect for time, sound-checking, being sober before the event and after so you can network and sell yourself to the next event organiser at the event, is nauseating. We are a joke compared to other countries and this is why we are moving at a slow pace. It really all starts with one saying 'I want to better… myself and my music'. The next question is how do I do this? You stop thinking you know it all and actually listen to what those that know how things are done. It does not “hate if you are told not drink at an event”. It might mean that your performance will be rusty or you might miss it and end up not performing. Getting to the event is also a job on its own. I've noticed that Namibian artists get to events with a string of friends who do nothing to make sure your performance goes smoothly but instead just “chill with the celebrity” instead of taking videos etc., of you performing to build your portfolio. Invest in people who care about your brand and who can help you achieve greatness.
I know and understand that being an artist is dealing with a lot of things to do and sometimes you just want to sing without worrying about booking for gigs, speaking to the media or how to get into a boardroom to sell your brand. Organisations like Poiyah Media can manage your PR for you and all you need to worry about is your music. I applaud Sally for taking an initiative of investing in her art and brand by joining Poiyah Media and I hope many more follow suit.
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
Let's not even get into how we need more workshops so artists can be taught how to successfully sell themselves because there have been many hosted and how many show up? Let me leave it there. I guess what needs to be discussed now is if this is the industry we all want to leave behind for our children to carry on with. The disrespect for time, sound-checking, being sober before the event and after so you can network and sell yourself to the next event organiser at the event, is nauseating. We are a joke compared to other countries and this is why we are moving at a slow pace. It really all starts with one saying 'I want to better… myself and my music'. The next question is how do I do this? You stop thinking you know it all and actually listen to what those that know how things are done. It does not “hate if you are told not drink at an event”. It might mean that your performance will be rusty or you might miss it and end up not performing. Getting to the event is also a job on its own. I've noticed that Namibian artists get to events with a string of friends who do nothing to make sure your performance goes smoothly but instead just “chill with the celebrity” instead of taking videos etc., of you performing to build your portfolio. Invest in people who care about your brand and who can help you achieve greatness.
I know and understand that being an artist is dealing with a lot of things to do and sometimes you just want to sing without worrying about booking for gigs, speaking to the media or how to get into a boardroom to sell your brand. Organisations like Poiyah Media can manage your PR for you and all you need to worry about is your music. I applaud Sally for taking an initiative of investing in her art and brand by joining Poiyah Media and I hope many more follow suit.
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
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Namibian Sun
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