The organisers of the Royal Heritage Festival once again hosted their annual workshop for artists from all around the Vhembe District at the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre on Wednesday, 13 September. The aim of the workshop was to improve their skills and expand their understanding of the respective industries they work in.

Mr Thingahangwi Netshivhodza, from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s office in Vhembe, addressed the guests. He was joined by veteran musician Vho Makhadzi Netshirembe Rambuda, SABC 2 actors, and Phalaphala FM presenters. Many local artists and musicians attended the workshop to gain the necessary knowledge on how to market and promote their art and music.

Netshivhodza said that, through their music, paintings, and storytelling, artists reflected the architecture of their society and inspired social change. “They capture the painful rhythms and aspirations, as well as the agonies and ecstasies of their society. Our artists are confronted by a myriad of challenges, such as lack of skills development, performance opportunities, piracy, less airplay on radio stations, lack of distribution deals, lack of access to markets, as well as inadequate marketing and equipment to produce quality work,” he said.

Ms Sharon Ravele, Phalaphala FM’s programme manager, also addressed the artists, saying that, as a radio station, they were doing all they could to promote Vhavenda artists. “We do care for our local artists, but we urge you to produce quality music that can educate our communities for the better. You should understand that you must sell yourself, so that people want to buy your work and support you financially,” she said.

Vho Rambuda said that for artists to produce quality music with good messages to send out to the communities was important. She commended the organisers for initiating the annual workshop. “I would like to encourage artists, singers, songwriters, composers, and producers to continue to promote and preserve indigenous languages, culture, and heritage through their music and art as we continue to enhance our national pride, nation building, and social cohesion,” she said.