I dont want to hear an artist or anybody in the sector complaining about these two things: Firstly, Freedom of expression: The President Jacob Zuma and the Arts & Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa hosted a well attended special gala dinner to acknowledge and thanks veterans, legends and other icons for their role in the struggle.we would not be free without the pivotal role and contribution of artists. They, especially the President, made a special resounding plea and invitation to artists to speak truth to power. He said they express better than politicians the aspirations of the people and are better place to tell the problems of the country. If you are an artist, dont exercise self - censorship and turn around to say the government deprives you freedom of expression. You are free to speak freely according to conscience. Everything said and done has çonsequences. Take responsibility for your choices. Secondly, a disorganised and disunited sector. The Department of Arts & Culture has provided millions for artists to organize themselves. The aim is for artists become coherent and consistent when speaking to government. To achieve this they are invited to elect their own leadership and other representatives to speak for them These leaders will tell and engage government and all stakeholders about the needs and interests of the artists. Ms Yvonne Queen of Afrika Chaka Chaka is the interim leader. The principle here is that nothing for artists without artists. It is 20 years later and artists chase fame and fortune instead of putting their house in order. Thus they continue to play second fiddle to foreign acts and their music is not played or their movies shown. Artists must fix their own problems working with government and other players. There will be a special meeting end of January 2015 where artists must chart the way forward. It is time to be an agent of the change you want to see in YOUR country. I must say South Africans have, largely, abdicated their role and responsibilities as citizens. They have reduced themselves to spectators in their motherland. It is time for a radical paradigm shift. Everything that happens here or does not is a direct result of what you choose to do or not. Be an activist citizen..Artists must lead.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:19:44 +0000