As the South African stage prepares to experience music giants Lebo M and Hans Zimmer perform live in concert on Friday, featured speakers including multi-award-winning artist Yanga Chief, internationally acclaimed producer and performer Tresor, Juliet Harding from renowned electronic band GoodLuck, and managing director at Warner Music Africa, Temi Adenji, shared their rags to riches stories at a Film and Music Workshop yesterday, designed to empower Africa’s next generation of creatives.
The workshop was held at the Artscape Theatre where Yanga Chief, Tresor, Harding and Adenji recounted the lessons they learnt in the music industry, from being penniless and dreaming big in a world overtaken by social media and the Fifth Industrial revolution.
The venue was filled with aspiring artists, who eagerly listened to their stories and advice.
It was also an iconic moment for the muso’s, who admire Grammy Award-winning entertainment icon Lebo M - a man whose pioneering work reshaped how African music is experienced worldwide.
Congolese-born Tresor, who has rubbed shoulders with international artists such as Drake on several projects including his album Honestly, Nevermind, said remaining humble and being blessed is what kept him focused in his career, sharing when made his first R10 000.
“Over the years, I have been working all kinds of jobs. I was working as a gardener, a car guard, what I always wanted to do was music,” said Tresor.
“Zahara, I wrote about three songs on her album, which really changed my life around, I made my first ten grand.
“I was making about R3 500 a show at the time and to be honest I had to pay the rent.
“It was such a massive blessing, I got to tour around with her and her team.
“It has been a blessing."
The questions posed to Yanga Chief was how artist like himself managed to stay afloat financially in the tough industry, which meant one had to constantly reinvent yourself and remain ahead of social media trends, network and be business minded.
Yanga said in response: "Once you sign with a label you think you are going to chop the charts and everything will be sorted but you tend to realise it is all about the numbers. When that song dies down, you have to make another hit song, otherwise you fall down the ladder. I have always been an artist who takes TLC with my music, very spiritual, so, being independent now, I am able to harness myself in the industry."
Lebo M Live Concert with Special Guest Hans Zimmer takes place at the Grand Arena at Grand West on Friday (April 18).
The spectacular production showcases Lebo M's 40-year musical journey alongside Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
The landmark concert represents a historic fusion of African and Western musical traditions before launching as a global tour.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.co.za
Cape Argus