Following the successful run of auditions held across Gauteng from the 10 to 24 September 2011, the 2011/12 Puisano Live Music showcase kicked off in scintillating style on November 20th at Mzansi Bar in Sebokeng, featuring brand new unsigned bands discovered through the programme including current winners L8 Antique and runners-up Just Friends.
Started in 2002, the Puisano Live Music programme has provided a head start to several bands in the music industry. Recent success stories include the Sedibeng-based band Upbeat, winners of the 2010/11 auditions. Upbeat have gone on to sign a record deal and are expected to release an album early next year.
“The Puisano programme has been most instrumental in advancing and creating market access for unsigned and unrecorded bands in the Gauteng,” said MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile “Through the programme we’re also able to put bands through workshops and training to improve their music, arranging and compositions, instrumentation, stage management, self management and marketing. The bands also gain exposure from performing in festivals that we sponsor including Joy of Jazz, Moretele Park, Moshito and other departmental events,” added Maile.
Minor Band from Johannesburg, Solace from Pretoria and Colors of Africa from Ekurhuleni are some of the bands that also came through the Puisano programme which are expected to release albums soon.
The 2011/12 programme has left no stones unturned in uncovering raw talent from all areas of Gauteng, and through the scheduled showcases bands will have the opportunity to display their talents in various venues across the province.
Organised by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Puisano Live Music Project is aimed at developing up and coming musicians and artists, creating a platform and market access for them, and promoting live music performances in communities as well as building up a culture of live music appreciation especially in townships.
Details of the next showcase are as follows
Date: 27 November 2011
Time: 14:00
Place: Adega Lounge, Kagiso, West Rand
For enquiries contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Cell: 083 507 8068
Tel: 011 355 2578
E-mail: nomazwe.ntlokwana@gauteng.gov.za
Province
