PRESS RELEASE

MyArts International organised a successful national 2010 Women’s Month Netball Cup this past Saturday, 28 August, at Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein.  

Eight teams from across the country registered to partake in this netball spectacle.  During the tournament, the ladies kicked-back their heels for a day of netball fun all in the name of celebrating Women’s Month. 

The tournament was not essentially for the heavy weights of the netball court but an opportunity for women in government, private sector and tertiary institutions to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace the month’s celebrations, all in their honour.

Teams competed for the finish line but did not forget to enjoy themselves and network with other teams.  Entertainment was on hand during intervals and dancing seemed to come naturally as some of the ladies let loose and danced together. 

 Teams included:  Department of Sports and Recreation (KwaZulu Natal), Old Grey (BFN), CUT BFN, CUT Welkom, Oud Skoliere (Bethlehem), SABS (Pretoria), MTN (Bloemfontein), Motheo Fm (BFN Based). 

Results:

(Motheo Fm forfeited round 1 and 2, due to insufficient players)

MyArts NETBALL DEVELOPMENT for the Free State Province

 The aims of MyArts Netball Development program is to develop, promote and sustain netball in a fun and a positive manner. MyArts is working together with the Free State Netball Federation to provide an annual inter school, corporates and professional teams competitions during the year 2011.

With hope that this initiative will create good working relationships with various stakeholders who will be supporting Netball in the Free State province.

MyArts will provide opportunities to ‘Talent Spot’ potential players and provide clear pathways for them to follow to achieve their potential and in the year 2011, there will be room for Improvement of the quality and number of netball coaches and officials in the province.

Through the 2011 MyArts Netball Development program many free state primary and secondary schools will be able to develop their payers and teams while preparing for bigger events such as the OR Tambo games and other National games.

We believe that this project will help change the attitudes and sporting skills of our children in future especially those who are located in rural areas and townships.

The MyArts NETBALL DEVELOPMENT program will be launched on the 18^th of September 2010 with a clinics and other development activities.

Contact MyArts

E-mail info@myarts.co.za

Tel 051 430 1854

Download Entry form here

MISS LIFESTYLE FREE STATE
Stand a chance to walk on the ramp of Brooklyn Fashion Week {end} in NEW YORK , Special features on international media and many other amazing prizes.

Name___________________________ Surname______________________________
ID Number______________________ Cell Number_____________________________
Bust_____ Waist______ Hips_____ Weight_____ Shoe Size_____ skin colour :_______
Occupation __________________________ Town ______________________________
Select Category: main __________ Teen ___________ African Queen __________

RULES OF THE COMPETITION - MAIN PAGEANT: Applicants must be at least 18 years and not older than 27 years on 31 December 2010, Be in possession of a matric certificate or have equivalent qualification, not married and had never had a marriage annulled, not be engaged, never had given birth and be pregnant, have no criminal record. NO Minimum Height Requirement.

RULES OF THE COMPETITION - Teen: Applicants must be at least 16 years and not older than 19 years on 31 December 2010, not married and had never had a marriage annulled, not be engaged, never had given birth and be pregnant, have no criminal record. NO Minimum Height Requirement

RULES OF THE COMPETITION – African Queen: Applicants must be at least 18 years and not older than 35 years on 31 December 2010 (Please note that Plus Size ladies are welcome for this category). NO Minimum Height Requirement. Pageant based on values and confidence.

FAX YOUR APPLICATION FORM with copy of ID or Passport to 08-66-99-88-09 and Call: 051-430 - 1854 for confirmation.
ENTRY: R 200.00 for Main and R150.00 for teen and African queen (payment to be made before the 10th of October 2010). Banking Details will be smsed to you once you have sent your application form. More information Contact MyArts Lifestyle 051 430 1854 - DK 074 226 3578 - Kenneth 0726178661
Closing Date : 5 October 2010

A mega lifestyle beauty pageant will be held during the month of November in Bloemfontein where young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Lifestyle Free State 2010.
Apart from adding to the diversity of events in this province, it also introduces an interesting genre famous all over the world.
The event is part of promoting a good lifestyle in the Free State Province.
Young ladies from around the province are invited to enter the pageant as prizes are as attractive as the name of the pageant.
The Miss Lifestyle FS 2010 provides a raw and uncut look into a phenomenon that has become known as “beautilicious”. It encompasses all aspect of the urban lifestyle has prizes are ranging from your beauty products, accommodation, travel packages as well as local and international media exposure.
The contestants won’t just be in it, they will believe in it as it creates a new opportunity to local girls to enjoy new opportunities in the modelling industry.
The competition is only open to naturally born female and contestant must either be born or lived in the Free State for more than 6 months.
Applicants are required to send in their application forms which can be downloaded on www.myarts.co.za or on MyArts facebook page as well as collected at MyArts Centre ( 158 Maitland Street, Bloemfontein, Free State).
Applicants must be available to attend the briefing Sessions that will be held in November and presented by Rick Davy - Director of the Brooklyn Style Production during his visit in South Africa for the Macufe Fashion Market (TM).
All ladies entering the competition are required to be natural. (NO fake eyelashes or coloured contact lenses)
They must always appear very neat, clean hair, nails and shoes. They should also dress accordingly and be confident and must see themselves as marketable products.

Categories
There will be 3 categories in this year pageant and just like Miss SA 2010 (TM) height will not be a requirement on all 3 categories.
Miss Lifestyle Free State -
The winner of this category will win a trip to New York where she will represent the province at the Brooklyn Fashion Week.
She will benefit from many print and radio publicities in New York City during her two weeks stay in America.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 25 on the 30th of December 2010
Each applicant must be in possession of matric certificate or equivalent qualification, Not be married or never had a marriage annulled, Not be engaged and never had be pregnant before.

Miss Lifestyle FS Teen
Will be winning many prizes also ranging from local to international products from various fields including beauty items, accommodations, travelling and transportation.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and not older than 19 on the 30th of December 2010
Each applicant must be in possession of matric certificate or equivalent qualification, not be married or never had a marriage annulled, not be engaged and never had be pregnant before.

Miss Lifestyle FS “African Queen”
A role Model, image for African beauty and ambassador of African Values and culture . The winner of this category automatically becomes the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Youth Ambassador. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and not older than 35 on the 30th of December 2010

For More information:
Myarts International
Tel: 051 430 1854
E-mail: dna@myarts.co.za
www.myarts.co.za

Contact persons:
DK - 074 226 3578 | dk@myarts.co.za
Kenneth - 0780247204 | Kenneth@myarts.co.za

Free State as a province has produced several athletes like Tshakile Nzimande, Zola Budd Peterse and David Kgolane. Although having produced these great athletes, does not mean we have in the calendar of Athletic South Africa a long distance marathon that other big cities host.
As part of the promotion of sport tourism in the Free State, UMendo Trading has organised 2010 Liberation Route Marathon scheduled for 17 October 2010. The 65km distance marathon is open to licensed and unlicensed athletes and closes for registration on 10 October.
The marathon will start at Mmabana Stadium in Thaba Nchu and will finish at Vodacom Park Athletic Stadium.
Free State Athletic Association has sanctioned the marathon and it is therefore recognised by Athletic South Africa.
The Liberation Marathon also aims to celebrate the contribution played by heroes of the liberation struggle as the route has a historic significance.
The N8 route linking South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho has been over the years a symbolic link between the two nations. It is the same route that was used by former Presidents of liberation movements, stalwarts and other heroes including JB Moroka and Sol Platjie.
It is the same route that has also been used by the new generation of our leaders including the Deputy Police Minister-Fikile Mbalula, MEC for Treasury in the Free State, Seiso Mohai and others. The history of the route can be traced as far back as during the difaqane wars.
Renowned kings including Moshoeshoe, Sekonyela and others also used the route. It is in that context that the marathon organizers saw it befitting to acknowledge the role played by these former leaders while also highlighting some current social scourges that continue to face our communities including HIV/AIDS.
For more information kindly contact:
Kaya : 082 477 2918 | kaya@sportseye.co.za
Denis : 074 123 3647 | dna@myarts.co.za

Myarts International has launched its Cultural Exchange Programme with a series of activities that will benefit the Arts Fraternity of the Free State Province.
The programme includes disciplines such as fashion, film, music, theatre, photography and visual arts.
The main purpose of having the Cultural Exchange Program is to create a platform for arts development in the Free State by creating new opportunities for local artists.
Myarts International still considers Arts in the Free State as an investment beside the fact that so many other institutions and companies in this province have given up on the arts fraternity but still benefit from narrow accumulation in the name of Arts.
This October 2010, Macufe Fashion Market will host a strong delegation from the Brooklyn style foundation who will be composed of :
1. Robert Manella – A professional photographer who worked all around the world with fashion photography and video
2. Joan Vaccianna - A fashion Director and Designer whose garments have been on major fashion shows in America as she has her own collection
3. Jerry Jordan – Fashion Collection Director. He is a former New York Fashion Week Backstage Director.
4. Phil McGowan – a Model Agent Booker, has booked some of the world top models. He will conduct a workshop with contestant of Miss Lifestyle Free State and local models.
5. Venessa Evelyn : Professional make-up artist for many celebrities and models in the US. She will conduct a workshop on Beauty and images.
6. Triscia Anne: Professional Media and PR consultant who runs a publication in Brooklyn.
7. Soul Gee Mcqueen : Publicist for the Stars and works in television
8. Tiffany Coates : Professional Hairstylist, worked with several celebrities on photoshoots and campaign
9. Dee Vasques : AWell known Television and Radio host in New York
The delegation will be headed by Mr. Rick Davy, director of the Brooklyn Fashion Week{end}.

The Exchange programme with Brooklyn fashion Week {end} will provide a designers, promoters, models and other stakeholders a wider range of promotion and marketing for products and services.
The program still in its infant stage and will Brooklyn style to take up to 5 designers and some designers students from the Brooklyn High Schools to South Africa to learn about African culture and fashion.
As part of the exchange program, The Brooklyn Style Foundation will include their “Stitch for Success” project which is one of the Brooklyn style missions; to support people in low income communities internationally, by gathering sewing machines, fabric and other sewing items. All the items will be allocated to the development of the fashion industry in South Africa.
The Brooklyn Style Foundation will conduct several workshops during the two day macufe fashion markets hoping that locals will use this opportunity to up their skills.
The exchange program will also enable local designers to showcase their garment at the Brooklyn Fashion Week{end} in 2011 and get the international market committed to support Free State Fashion.
MyArts have secured exhibition space for local designers and hope that this will benefit the Free State province. Hence there is a call for all municipality LEDs, FS Social Development as well as national related institution to supports local designers in crowing their industry trough skills development, incubation and funding.

For More Information:
MyArts International: 074 123 3647 – 051 4301854 – dna@myarts.co.za – MyArts Centre, 158 Maitland Street, Unit 1, Waldorff Building, Bloemfontein, 9300
Brooklyn Style Foundation: Info@brooklynstylefoundation.com , 54 Greene Ave, Clinton Hills, Brooklyn, 11238
Macufe Fashion Market: 051 430 1977 – info@bluhues.com, Corner Maitland and President Brand, Bloemfontein, 9300

South African musicians are donating their time and talent to help Haitians in need at the Making A Difference 4 Haiti Benefit Concert at Carnival City on 21 March.
Spearheaded by radio presenter Doug Anderson, musician Lionel Bastos, and Madelaine Steyn, the M.A.D. 4 Haiti concert will feature a selection of the country’s premier artists in a bid to raise funds for the devastated Caribbean nation, which is still reeling from the 12 January earthquake that killed an estimated 230,000 people.
Explains Anderson: “It started off as a Facebook status update: ‘I want to put on a benefit concert for the Haiti victims – anyone interested in helping out?’ This was as a result of seeing the visuals coming out of Haiti, shortly after the earthquake.”
It took only a few seconds for friends to start commenting. The first friend on board was singer/songwriter/producer Lionel Bastos who, in turn, posted the same status update on his Facebook page – and so M.A.D. (Making A Difference) 4 Haiti was born. Madelaine Steyn created the M.A.D 4 Haiti Facebook fan page. Since then, a number of well-known South African musicians have volunteered to perform at the benefit concert on 21 March. In addition, Carnival City has donated the use of the Big Top Arena for the concert, and other companies and individuals have jumped at the chance to come on board and make their services and expertise available free of charge.
All proceeds from the concert, which takes place from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday, 21 March (the Monday is a public holiday), will be paid into a trust administered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants SA.
The organisers are also making available an album of songs donated by various artists around the country for the M.A.D. 4 Haiti fund, which can be downloaded from www.rhythmmusicstore.com, and a CD may be in the works as well if a label comes on board.
Members of the public who would like to contribute to the disaster relief effort in Haiti while experiencing some of SA’s premier music acts performing under one roof, are urged to head along to Carnival City and rock on down for a good cause. Your small act of compassion may make a huge difference in the lives of many Haitian people.
Book at Computicket, and join the Facebook fan page – M.A.D. 4 Haiti – for updates.
The organisers of the M.A.D. 4 Haiti Benefit Concert would like to thank Carnival City for sponsoring the Big Top Arena, Marshall for sponsoring the backline equipment, all the artists who are performing free of charge, Mango for sponsoring flights for all artists based outside Gauteng,.

SA producer is looking to discover SA’s dream girls and guys for a sensational new stage production of the smash hit musical Dreamgirls.

Recently on stage at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theatre in New York City and now touring the USA, a brand new, sensational stage production of Dreamgirls comes to South Africa, opening at the Teatro at Montecasino in March 2011 and Artscape, Cape Town in June 2011.

Featuring an entirely South African cast to play its all African American characters, Dreamgirls is produced by leading South African producer, Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management in association with John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions, New York. All the characters in this African multi award-winning production, true to its star-making script, is about discovering, developing and nurturing fresh, new talent.

“By hosting open “discovery” auditions, we are looking to find unknown singers with exceptionally strong vocals who are able to move well.” says Hazel Feldman. “We are very excited at the prospect of finding new “gems” from an untapped pool of raw talent and offering them the opportunity to literally live their dream in Dreamgirls.”

Dreamgirls cast comprises of 29 versatile performers who are strong singers and dancers. All characters are African Americans. Male and female ensemble dancers, in their late teens to mid thirties must be able to sing. The four female and four male principal roles require exceptionally strong “big belt” lead vocals.

Nationwide open call ‘discovery” auditions begin in Durban at The BAT Centre Dance Studio on 22 February 2010 (ladies from 09h30 to 13h00, men from 14h00 – 17h00) followed by Johannesburg auditions at The Teatro at Montecasino on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 for ladies from 09h30 and Thursday, 25 February 2010 for men from 09h30. Cape Town auditions take place on Sunday, 28 February 2010 (ladies from 09h30 to 13h00, gentlemen from 14h00 – 17h00) in Room 301, Artscape Theatre. Final auditions, hosted by a combined local and international creative team are scheduled for April 2010.

Every applicant is required present a one page current, professionally presented CV together with a recent high quality picture at the registration desk, one hour prior to audition starting times. CV’s and photographs will not be returned. Auditioning artists must prepare one brief standard R&B, standard pop or gospel song (that best shows off their voice and range) and ensure that they bring sheet music for the accompanist. It is important that applicants wear appropriate clothing and footwear i.e. flat jazz shoes or sneakers for men and flat jazz shoes and character shoes with heels for women. Auditioning artists must ensure they are available from end January 2011 to end August 2011. Audition enquiries: visit www.showtime.co.za or call Yolanda Kimber on 079 909 9982.

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Hopeful talents Deena Jones, Lorrell Robinson and Effie White are performing as The Dreamettes when ambitious agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. discovers them. He lands them a job as backup singers for the soul and rock ‘n’ roll sensation James “Thunder” Early and begins to guide their quickly rising career. However, when the beautiful Deena emerges as the star of the group rather than the full-voiced Effie, the girls are brought to personal and professional crossroads.

Dreamgirls is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with co-choreography by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. Dreamgirls features music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen with additional material by Willy Reale.

The original Broadway production of Dreamgirls opened December 20, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre and won six Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards in 1982. It closed on Broadway August 11, 1985, after 1,521 performances. The original Broadway production was directed by Michael Bennett and choreographed by Bennett and Michael Peters. Dreamgirls was adapted into a motion picture by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and opened in December 2006. The film won two Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, and two Screen Actor’s Guild Awards in 2007 in addition to a Grammy Award for Best Song written for a Motion Picture (“Love You I Do”). The most popular song from the film, “Listen,” has been incorporated into the new stage version of Dreamgirls as a stirring Act II duet for Deena and Effie. This all-new production of Dreamgirls premiered at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater in New York City on 22 November 2009, before embarking on an international tour.

Tickets sales for the South African production will be announced in the press at a later date. “All you got to do is Dream” and you may be discovered to star in Dreamgirls.

The National Eisteddfod Academy is calling for entries for the 2010 NEA Young Performer Awards.

This competition provides a next level of participation for all recipients of diploma (or similar awards) in the NEA Eisteddfod 2009 (or other similar festivals or competitions). It provides a platform where the best young performers in music, dance and drama can compete and showcase their talents. This event culminates in an Awards Ceremony on 15 May 2010 at the UJ Arts Centre when the winners will be announced. Closing date for entries is 13 February 2009.

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships as well as cash prizes amounting up to R 30 000 will be awarded to the top junior and senior performers. Categories include best senior and junior performers in Classical, Crossover and Contemporary Music, Speech and Drama, Dance and Creative Arts.

The Process

The adjudication process involves 4 rounds:

- First and Quarter Final rounds:
- Dates: 2-19 March 2010
- Venues: Joburg ProMusica Theatre (Main theatre and Basement Theatre).
- A limited number of participants will be invited during each session to participate in the Quarter Final on the same day at 19:30

- Semi-final round:
- Dates: 22-25 March 2010
- Venue: Joburg ProMusica Theatre
- The best performers in the various categories as identified during the Quarter Final rounds will be invited to the semi-final round.

- Final round
- Date: 15 May 2010
- Venue: University of Johannesburg Arts Centre.
- The NEA will invite 10-20 finalists based on results of the semi-final events to participate in the final event.

- Two adjudicators will adjudicate all items during the first rounds.
- A panel of at least 4 adjudicators will adjudicate the final event.
- The decision of the adjudicators is final.
- Adjudicators will expect from each participant an outstanding and true performance that displays originality (“spark”). The expected level of skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the performance is exceptionally high (being “cute” is not enough!).

Who may enter?

- All recipients of Diploma Awards during the National Eisteddfod Academy’s activities of 2009 (excluding areas of unprepared and improvised work, e.g. prepared and unprepared reading and unprepared mime).
- Recipients of diplomas or similar awards (90% and higher) in other eisteddfods and festivals during 2009 are invited to enter for the NEA-Awards in the categories for which they have received diploma or similar awards (excluding all unprepared and improvised work).
- Participants in other festivals need to submit certified copies of the relevant diploma and adjudicator’s report with each entry. The organisers of other Eisteddfods and Festivals may also nominate their top achievers for participation in the NEA Young Performer Awards.

How to enter?

- Download the necessary entry form from the NEA website (www.eisteddfod.co.za).
- Complete the entry from, attach proof of payment and fax to 011-787-3534 before 13 February 2010 or mail to PO Box 1288, Randburg, 2125. Late entries will be accepted until 21 February subject to a double entry fee.
- Entry fee: recipients of NEA diploma awards: R200.
- Participants in other festivals and events: R400.

Background

The NEA initially launched this prestigious project in 2004 for youth performers in the various regions of the National Eisteddfod and Di Konokono Festival. Since 2006 this competition is also open for top achievers in all other existing eisteddfods and festivals.

Previous winners of this competition include Andile Ndlovu and Camille Bracher (both top achievers in the SA International Ballet Competition) and Julian Hepburn (finalist in the recent “SA got talent”).

For more information and entry forms contact the office of the National Eisteddfod Academy: tel 011 886 6005 / e-mail: info@eisteddfod.co.za

For more information on the National Eisteddfod Academy log onto www.eisteddfod.co.za.

Business and Arts South Africa releases valuable ARTSTRACK Research 2009

Arts sponsorship has more than doubled since 2001 when the arts market was estimated at around R136 million, growing to nearly R360 million in 2009. Of this, music sponsorship attracts nearly 50% of all the sponsorship spend (R173 million in 2009) with the balance going to all other arts and culture initiatives.

This being one of the key findings of ARTSTRACK research 2009 – Business and Arts South Africa’s bi-annual authoritative study on the arts and culture market in South Africa.

Conducted nationally over a period of two and a half months other key findings from ARTSTRACK 2009 are:

The long-term planning of sponsors in the field of Arts and Culture is also underscored by the findings on the importance of children learning about Arts and Culture – and not just Sport. The results showed that a clear majority of those sampled would like to see their children learning equally about both – an increase from 2007’s research.

39% of consumers felt the costs of attending Arts and Culture Events (ranging from Movies to Traditional Dance, Museums, Exhibitions and Ballet) were too high – an increase in three points on 2007’s findings. “This is, of course, coming in a year in which the economic recession hit hard but I think is something that should be looked at by sponsors and arts and culture practitioners,” Business and Arts South Africa CEO Michelle Constant commented.

Communities take notice and support sponsors that are investing in projects of value to them; and as well as sponsors uplifting and support communities. According to Constant, this supports the King Three Report, which highlights the need for corporate citizenship through CSI.

In a spontaneous question that asked respondents to name an Arts and Culture sponsor in South Africa, Standard Bank received the most mentions followed by ABSA then MTN. (The full list of 19 spontaneously-recalled sponsors is available in the research) According to sponsors themselves, the companies regarded as sponsorship leaders are Standard Bank, Absa and Nedbank.

The belief that government has a significant funding responsibility to develop and support Arts and Culture.

Music topped the list of 12 disciplines supported that included festivals, museums, theatre, movies, traditional dance, crafts, literature, sculpture/paintings/photography, opera, contemporary dance and ballet.

The biggest contribution now comes from Marketing Budgets.

The 2009 research was especially revealing in the attitude of non-sponsors of Arts and Culture. In particular, non-sponsors gave a detailed list of their ideal sponsorship - which included a relationship in which both parties benefit equally, community upliftment, strong brand awareness, contribution to the company’s BEE scorecard, and ability to be measured.

According to Constant, “A great deal of valuable information emerged from the research – including how culture can be used as a tool for tourism. This is particularly interesting in 2010 with the FIFA World Cup bringing so many visitors to our country.”

“What I found interesting were the comments from business on how they believe we can make the Arts and Culture environment more attractive to sponsoring companies,” says Constant. “As Business and Arts South Africa we are already working on some of the suggestions which we hope will see an increase in Arts and Culture sponsorship in 2010 and beyond.”

ARTSTRACK 2009 gives good insight into sponsorship of arts and culture in South Africa and is a powerful research tool for anyone interested in sponsorship in the Arts market in South Africa.

Scope:

The consumer ARTSTRACK Research 2009 covered a wide spectrum – ranging from the frequency and types of events South African adults attend in the field of Arts and Culture to attitudes towards, and awareness of sponsors, and the role of government.

It also offers insight into the size of the Arts and Culture sponsorship market, the nature and length of contracts, budget issues, sponsorship objectives amongst other issues. Companies not involved in sponsoring Arts and Culture were also probed on other sponsor activities, sponsorship preferences and their reasons for not sponsoring Arts and Culture.

Methodology:

Conducted by leading South African sponsorship company, BMI, the methodology was based on consumer research amongst a total sample of 1950 adult (over 18 years) South Africans. The one-on-one, interviews took place nationally, covering individuals from South Africa’s diverse background. For specific business research, Business and Arts South African members were also surveyed as well as a number of non-Arts and Culture sponsoring companies.

The bi-annual Business and Arts South Africa ARTSTRACK Research is available to all members of Business and Arts South Africa.

For enquiries on the Business and Arts South Africa ARTSTRACK Research 2009 contact Beverly Reddy on 011 832 3039. For more information about Business and Arts South Africa programmes please visit www.basa.co.za.

Speech for the Minister of Arts and Culture, Republic of South Africa, Ms Lulama Xingwana at MIDEM 2010 press conference on 24 January 2010

MIDEM CEO, Mr Paul Zilk
Director at MIDEM, Ms Dominique Leguern,
Ambassador of South Africa in France, Dr Konji Sebati
Director General – Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa, Themba Wakashe
The Media
Honourable guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with a deep sense of pride that South Africa stands before you to announce its presence to celebrate the Music of Africa with the international music fraternity. South Africa is indeed humbled to be the Country of Honour at MIDEM 2010.

We have come to MIDEM 2010 to promote our music and our music industries and to invite you to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa which will also be filled with beautiful South African music and dance, arts and crafts and unique experience of our majestic heritage cultural tourism sites such as the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg and Robben Island in Cape Town.

In the global economy, the music business has become one of the most important industries that drive the cultural and communication and broadcasting systems. The audio visual industries are growing exponentially. The patterns of distribution and consumption are ever changing. The developing world and Africa have become important new markets and will continue to do so in the future.

There is no doubt that South Africa’s participation at MIDEM 2010 is one way of responding to this new way of making business in the music sector.

South Africa as part of the African continent is embarking on various initiatives of doing business with the rest of the world. Our end game is mainstreaming our cultural treasures and heritage in the emerging economies with the objective of making South Africa the centrepiece in cultural and creative production with strong internal and global distribution networks to make our South African music content available on all platforms.

Our policy and ethos in supporting music development is not only driven by entertainment needs per se but is also driven by the need to create jobs and meaningful employment. But more importantly, to support social cohesion in a new democratic South Africa. Music is the golden thread that holds South African society together. I am happy that the MIDEM platform will help bring South Africa’s musical heritage to the world.

We have brought to MIDEM a star studded cast of the very best South African music can offer. Our presentation at MIDEM 2010 will pay tribute to the heritage of South African culture by reflecting various artistic talents embedded from a plethora of musical cultural expressions. We will highlight the wealth of South African artistic talents through a line-up of award-winning, chart-topping and iconic artists. Hotshot urban act Jozi, platinum pop outfit, The Parlotones, multi South African Music Award-winner Lira, critically acclaimed hip hop act ZuluBoy, magical diva Thandiswa Mazwai, and South Africa’s folklorist star, Nothembi, Afro-folk veteran, Vusi Mahlasela, SAMA-nominated flautist Wouter Kellerman, live favourites Tidal Waves, charismatic Kurt Darren, and the Maletangwao Cultural Troupe the foot-stompers from the African village are among the artists who will fly the South African flag high at MIDEM 2010 Opening Night event today.

Tomorrow we pay tribute to one of Africa’s musical icons Mama Miriam Makeba who is well known to the world. This tribute is shared with Benin’s super star Angelique Kidjo, a great friend of South Africa. Angelique will pay tribute to Mama Miriam Makeba in a memorable collaboration with Vusi Mahlasela – one of South Africa’s indigenous poets and musicians.

Our presence at MIDEM 2010 features the South African Pavilion - our home away from home. Please make sure you visit our stand as it is where we will be showcasing South African music, labels and organisations. You will be able to meet South Africa music industry representatives.

We are also delighted to invite you to our special high-profile MIDEM Seminar on Making Music Business in Africa – Telling the South African Music story. This is a very important seminar for us, as it will bring to the fore the opportunities and networking possibilities of doing music in Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen, I guess you are aware by now that the headline for our presentation at MIDEM 2010 is titled – Celebrating Africa’s Music. The choice of the theme confirms linkages between MIDEM 2010 and the much awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa hence the FIFA World Cup slogan – Celebrate Africa’s Humanity. To us MIDEM 2010 kicks off the year by promoting South African culture to the worldwide stage, thus culminating with the hosting of the 2010 World Cup in June and July. We have brought with us the Dept of Culture Cultural Programme Coordinator for the FIFA 2010 World Cup – Ms Duduzile Mazibuko. She will provide you with further information about our plans relating to the cultural programme during the FIFA event. Please visit the South African Pavilion to further engage her on such matters.

We are very excited about our delegation which includes a “fantastic” representation of South African music talent and business. I trust that you will interact with us on all matters relating to making music business in South Africa. That’s why we are here.

To all the South African artists who are participating at MIDEM 2010 I would like to thank you for venturing out to make business contacts – We wish all of you good-luck. I am certain that we will all succeed.

AFRIKA KE NAKO!!!!!!!!

I thank you