Aspiring gospel artists and music lovers of all ages gathered at the Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC) for a gospel music workshop conducted by legend Jabu Hlongwane.
The two-hour workshop kicked off with a question-and- answer session where Hlongwane addressed attendees’ queries.
The discussion focused on subjects such as songwriting, finding the right producer, track listing, the life of a CD as well as starting a music career.
“Do everything you do to the extent that no one will touch it – whether you’re a cleaner or singer, it does not matter. If you are going to do something be extremely good at it,” said Hlongwane.
The co-founder of Joyous Celebration expressed his concerns about South African artists imitating each other. He said that artists were no longer expressing themselves through their music, which kills the essence of who they are.
He also wanted to see more artists from the Eastern Cape sing in their own language.
“The future of gospel music in the Eastern Cape is looking good because people are eager to learn,” said Hlongwane.
Piwe Maja, one of the recording artists signed by ECAVC earlier this year, said:
“I learnt that you don’t have to change who you are as an artist – for example imitate Jabu Hlong wane’s singing just because you like how he sounds. Also, don’t be afraid to be different. I also learnt that what’s important is doing what works for you,” said Maja.
Maja is one of the recording artists signed by ECAVC earlier this year who attended the workshop.
Phakama Zomba, 21, of Mdantsane – who started singing when she was 12 – said what Hlongwane shared at the workshop applied to everyone, not just aspiring singers.
She attended the workshop with the hope of grasping something that will help her grow as an artist.
ECAVC director Sy Ntuli reminded attendees that the centre was open for them if they had questions about the music industry.The gospel music workshop was an initiative by the ECAVC in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and the De partment of Sports, Recreation, arts and culture.
Hlongwane inspires aspiring gospel singers
The two-hour workshop kicked off with a question-and- answer session where Hlongwane addressed attendees’ queries.
The discussion focused on subjects such as songwriting, finding the right producer, track listing, the life of a CD as well as starting a music career.
“Do everything you do to the extent that no one will touch it – whether you’re a cleaner or singer, it does not matter. If you are going to do something be extremely good at it,” said Hlongwane.
The co-founder of Joyous Celebration expressed his concerns about South African artists imitating each other. He said that artists were no longer expressing themselves through their music, which kills the essence of who they are.
He also wanted to see more artists from the Eastern Cape sing in their own language.
“The future of gospel music in the Eastern Cape is looking good because people are eager to learn,” said Hlongwane.
Piwe Maja, one of the recording artists signed by ECAVC earlier this year, said:
“I learnt that you don’t have to change who you are as an artist – for example imitate Jabu Hlong wane’s singing just because you like how he sounds. Also, don’t be afraid to be different. I also learnt that what’s important is doing what works for you,” said Maja.
Maja is one of the recording artists signed by ECAVC earlier this year who attended the workshop.
Phakama Zomba, 21, of Mdantsane – who started singing when she was 12 – said what Hlongwane shared at the workshop applied to everyone, not just aspiring singers.
She attended the workshop with the hope of grasping something that will help her grow as an artist.
ECAVC director Sy Ntuli reminded attendees that the centre was open for them if they had questions about the music industry.The gospel music workshop was an initiative by the ECAVC in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and the De partment of Sports, Recreation, arts and culture.
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