FORMER Walter Sisulu University (WSU) journalism graduate Loyiso Lindani is one of 15 upand-coming young Eastern Cape artists who have been awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown next month.
Lindani, 30, was selected from a group of 60 artists chosen from writers, singers, visual artists and painters, who auditioned for the trip.
The auditions were held last month at the Mdantsane Arts Centre adjudicated by representatives from the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture.
The trip is funded by the provincial arts council.
The Mdantsane-born poet/singer who goes by the stage name Misunderstood , said she had only made it to the audition by chance.
“I went to the arts centre to see a friend. Only when I got there I heard what was going on and being the person that I am, with my material always strapped on, I was ready to hit the stage and share a few lines from my work,” said Lindani.
“This is such an awesome opportunity for both my writing and my artistry because it is going to open doors for me by introducing me to a wider network of influential people.”
Of the 15 artists, eight are from East London. The others are from Fort Beaufort, King William’s Town and Keiskammahoek.
Lindani, who will perform her poetry and music at the WordFest, said that being a journalist was innate but her “other passion” was taking priority for now.
“Graduates all over the country face unemployment, so the way I see it, you can either sit at home and be depressed while you wait for someone to hire you or you can get up and use the skill you learnt in varsity and become an entrepreneur,” said Lindani.
Thando Tebe, the department’s principal cultural officer in the Amathole District said this was a networking opportunity for budding artists.
“The activities arranged for the artists will ensure that they get to learn as much as possible from established performers, writers and artists while also honing their own identities through marketing their work and performances,” said Tebe.
He said it was their duty to assist word artists and promote the use of indigenous languages. —
Fest trip music to artist’s ear
Lindani, 30, was selected from a group of 60 artists chosen from writers, singers, visual artists and painters, who auditioned for the trip.
The auditions were held last month at the Mdantsane Arts Centre adjudicated by representatives from the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture.
The trip is funded by the provincial arts council.
The Mdantsane-born poet/singer who goes by the stage name Misunderstood , said she had only made it to the audition by chance.
“I went to the arts centre to see a friend. Only when I got there I heard what was going on and being the person that I am, with my material always strapped on, I was ready to hit the stage and share a few lines from my work,” said Lindani.
“This is such an awesome opportunity for both my writing and my artistry because it is going to open doors for me by introducing me to a wider network of influential people.”
Of the 15 artists, eight are from East London. The others are from Fort Beaufort, King William’s Town and Keiskammahoek.
Lindani, who will perform her poetry and music at the WordFest, said that being a journalist was innate but her “other passion” was taking priority for now.
“Graduates all over the country face unemployment, so the way I see it, you can either sit at home and be depressed while you wait for someone to hire you or you can get up and use the skill you learnt in varsity and become an entrepreneur,” said Lindani.
Thando Tebe, the department’s principal cultural officer in the Amathole District said this was a networking opportunity for budding artists.
“The activities arranged for the artists will ensure that they get to learn as much as possible from established performers, writers and artists while also honing their own identities through marketing their work and performances,” said Tebe.
He said it was their duty to assist word artists and promote the use of indigenous languages. —
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