By Khumo Makame
The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Nothern Cape Arts Council hosted a powerful two day Roots and Rhythm Heritage Festival music workshop at the Northern Cape Theatre, presented by Exilite Holdings Pty Ltd – Events Management.
The workshop, which drew about 60 musicians, producers, DJs, and creative entrepreneurs from across the province forms part of the department’s commitment to empowering local artists and strengthening the provincial creative economy.
Through a mix of discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, the programme focused on equipping creatives with the tools they need to succeed in South Africa’s ever-evolving music landscape.
The musicians were provided a rare opportunity for artists to gain practical knowledge and industry insights directly from seasoned professionals.
Workshop topics included legal aspects of the music business, such as interpreting artist contracts, intellectual property and copyright, as well as artist management, branding, social media strategies, and royalty collection.
Other key areas covered were access to funding, festival and touring opportunities, navigating the digital shift in music distribution, and building a long-term, sustainable career.
Leading the sessions were respected figures in the music industry: Mandla Maseko (arts manager and consultant), Jerome Arends, Vusi Nova, Judy Boucher, and Thulz, all of whom shared valuable knowledge drawn from their personal journeys and professional expertise.
Speaking on the legal landscape, the Chairperson of the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa Mandla Maseko broke down the complexities around ownership and copyright, elaborated that ‘Composers own the songs they write, record companies own the recordings, and consumers own the media that they buy or stream.’
Maseko also highlighted recent regulatory progress in updating outdated copyright laws.
He highlighted how Artists continue to be vulnerable to losing everything, including their voices, due to not knowing how, or paying attention to the contract complexities.
“With platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp, dominating how music is used and shared, it’s crucial that the law keeps up.”
He reminded artists of the importance of education: “Understanding how the industry works is your first step. Our job is to help guide you through it.”
Award-winning artist Vusi Nova shared his personal story of passion, persistence and belief, which built him to be a successful musician and businessman.
.“It was passion and belief in myself that kept me going. That mindset is what made the difference,” he said.
Music producer Jerome Arends urged attendees to focus on the business side of music, instead of following the noise and fame.
“Music is only 10%. The other 90% is strategy, decisions, and consistency,” emphasised Arends.
“The Northern Cape has the potential to produce the next big star — we just need to build the right foundation.”
South African musician and producer ‘aka’ Dr. Thulz, who led Day 2 sessions, encouraged songwriters to start with feeling before form.
“A great song begins with emotion. The structure comes afterwards. Ask yourself why you’re creating the piece,” Dr. Thulz motivated.
The musicians got their moment of fame when by recording a song collaborating with Dr Thulz, Arends inside the theatre’s recording studio.
By the end of the workshop, participants walked away not only inspired but better informed, connected, and prepared to take on the challenges of the music industry.
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