Lebo Mashile Winning the MTV Best African Group and Noma Awards,
respectively
7 November 2006
I want the shining stars of the performing arts, lead vocalist Zolani Mahola
and poet Lebohang Mashile to know that I and millions of other Africans deeply
honour them for the splendid achievement of putting indigenous African creative
talent on the world map. Their significant achievements are a further
confirmation to the world of the obvious fact that South African talent not
only has got the potential to stand firm and compete with international
counterparts, but is of world class and standard.
Lead vocalist Zolani Mahola the face and voice of superb Afro-pop group,
Freshly Ground was awarded the MTV Award for Best Group in the African category
for their album, 'Nomvula.' Poet Lebohang Mashile was presented with the Noma
Award for the Best Book Published in Africa in 2005 for her anthology, 'In the
Rhythm of a Ribbon.' Both the nominations, which culminated in winning the
coveted prizes, are testament to the explosive capability of artistic
creativity and output expressed by our young people.
Yes, the whole continent and world is awakening to take note that, indeed,
we are the nucleus of African talent and creativity. You are inspirational! In
fact, the world has been waiting with abated breath to witness and experience
the soul stirring impact of South African performing arts which tells the
universal story of human kind. Over the last few years, our creative
intellectuals have been riding the crest wave of international success and
super stardom. They are greatly appreciated by the world in their respective
fields.
Both history and the future are on their side. Of course, it is a great
honour for our young, gifted and female creative artists to receive recognition
and reward in Europe and Asia. They deserve this as their work is not only
universal in its appeal but speaks directly to contemporary human experience.
Significantly, it was our own people who, first, voted with their feet, to
embrace the infectious explosive music of Mahola and the soul-inspiring
performance poetry of Mashile.
Both their artistic products resonate in the hearts and soul of people,
irrespective of skin colour, background or station in life. Their success is
the triumph of the Youth Spirit in the very year that we mark the 30th
anniversary of 16 June, Youth Day. It is noteworthy that both these young,
gifted and female creative artists have been presented with the awards after
they have taken it upon themselves to capture and reflect that which stirs in
the soul of African folks in the beginning of the second decade of
democracy.
Of course, this that has truly raised the flag to the role played by our
young artists in contributing to the redefinition of the nation's soul,
building social cohesion, nurturing a spirit of national unity and contributing
to transformation. We are thankful to all the judges for the validation of our
young talent. The prizes open up opportunities for South African talent to
shine and draw international attention to our outstanding talent and what our
beautiful country has to offer to a world audience.
In fact, it is a matter of great national pride to have young women in the
year that we highlight and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women's March
to Pretoria granted these prestigious prizes. Most important, it must be made
clear that these awards cannot belong to the two individuals in a personal way.
The nameless and faceless scores who work behind the scenes are witness to the
fact that we need a strong common vision to reach greater heights.
It remains the vision of the Department of Arts and Culture to continue to
raise a new generation of creative artists who will take the centre stage in
the world. They reflect and affirm the government's vision to build a
non-racial society, where our artists can nurture a spirit of national unity,
transform our society and use their talent to encourage a spirit of unity among
all the people of the world.
We congratulate Mahola, together with Freshly Ground and Mashile for winning
the MTV Best African Group Award and the Noma Award, respectively. In the name
of millions of people the world over whose souls have been touched by their
creativity, we are proud of this achievement which sees South African talent
taking a giant leap to gaining a foothold in the world stage.
For further details call:
Sandile Memela
Spokesman for the Minister of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Cell: 082 375 2939
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
7 November 2006
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
