SAADA, the arts and development association driven by Kwaito king, Arthur Mafokate, in partnership with the National Lottery Distribution Fund and Nampak Bevcan's consumer facing brand CAN DO! launched this March with the purpose of providing training, mentoring and developing young artists to ensure the sustainability of careers in the arts, improvement in productivity and effectiveness of artists in the industry.
"CAN DO! is creating a movement to reach the youth through music, entertainment and popular culture by supporting up-and-coming local talent," explains Alexandra Bouwer, marketing manager for CAN DO! "CAN DO! has been supporting talent development for the past three years; young local artists have been identified and moulded to reach their potential and become true stars. We are now partnering with SAADA to build even more artists," adds Bouwer.
Mafokate, SAADA chairman, says SAADA will give beneficiaries a platform to express their talent and enhance their business acumen.
"A lack of knowledge in the entertainment industry often leads to exploitation, mismanagement of funds and limited pubic support," says Mafokate. "Through this initiative, we will be equipping promising artists with the necessary tools they need to reach their potential in the industry."
The initiative will also attract music heavyweights including Oskido, Robbie Malinga, Kelly Khumalo, Cassper Nyovest, Ishmael, Dr Malinga and more, who will share their knowledge and experiences with the beneficiaries.
To reach its objectives, SAADA will host two flagship projects: the South African Arts Development Programme (SAADP) and the Mzansi Arts and Heritage Festival (MAHEFE), set to take place in October this year.
"SAADP consists of a 12 month programme that include[s] workshops, mentorship, business development and a platform to implement and promote their craft," explains Mafokate. "The SAADP will also be supported by MAHEFE, an annual arts festival focused on the development of young artists by creating a platform for the beneficiaries to share the stage with international and local artists."
CAN DO! carries its commitment to the development of local talent one step further by also offering developing artists a stage to share their talent at various concerts and events hosted across the country annually. "CAN DO! will continue to provide a platform to recognise and support South African entertainers in the form of our Refresh Tour and upcoming countrywide roadshow," Bouwer concludes.
The audition process to identify the 1000 beneficiaries is set to kick-off in Gauteng at the end of March, followed by 12 additional auditions to be held across the country. For more information about SAADA, call +27 11 805 7847 or visit the SAADA website.
For more information about CAN DO!, visit their website.
Alternatively, visit their page on Facebook.