The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana, today met artists about their concerns around the lack of South African and African artists participating in the FIFA June 10 concert at Orlando Stadium.
Among the artists and promoters present at the meeting were Jonas Gwangwa, Dorothy Masuku, Sibongile Khumalo, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, Sipho ‘Hotstix” Mabuse, Sizwe Mzolo, Ringo Madlingozi, Thandiswa Mazwai, Florence Masebe, Ihashe Elimhlophe Ngcobo, Chomee and Brian Mokoena.
The Creative Workers Union of South African (CUSA) was represented by Don Laka and South African Music Promoters Association (SAMPA) was represented by Oupa Salimane while the Independent Record Companies Association was represented by Mandla Maseko.
In a frank and cordial exchange, artists voiced their concerns that despite the FIFA World Cup being held for the first time on African soil, most of the artists announced for the 10 June line-up at Orlando Stadium are not South African or from the rest of the African continent.
They argued that during the FIFA World Cup the artistic programme should reflect a holistic African experience and that the 10 June concert at Orlando Stadium in particular should have 80 percent representation from South African and African artists.
They also emphasised the importance of 100 percent local content on radio and television and the need for more air time to be devoted to South African and African arts and culture.
Minister Xingwana told the artists that she supported them in their efforts to promote South African and African arts and culture during the World Cup. Minister Xingwana informed them that she had written to the CEO of the LOC, Dr Danny Jordaan, asking for an urgent meeting. A meeting has been confirmed for Thursday 1 April to discuss the matter.
Minister Xingwana invited representatives of the artists to participate in the meeting with the LOC.
The artists agreed that Mr Don Laka (representing CUWUSA), Mr Oupa Salimane (music promoters), Ms Dorothy Masuku and Mr Jonas Gwangwa (veterans), Sello Maake ka Ncube (theatre), Linah Khama (indigenous music), Mandla Maseko (independent record producers) and Arthur Mafokate should represent them at the meeting.
Minister Xingwana agreed that next week she would convene another meeting with the artists for a report back.
Enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 821 4886
Sipiwo Matshoba
Cell: 082 939 3798
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
30 March 2010
