25 Jun 2020

 

 Duma FM’s on air presenter, Michael Morapedi aka Dignash #locknut, has called upon government and different stakeholders to support the creative industry, which has already felt the ire of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview, Dignash emphasised that a lot needed to be done in supporting local artists, whose hopes were shattered when most countries across the globe imposed lockdown, which curtailed their services, with performances, exhibitions and events cancelled or postponed.

Morapedi said the already struggling industry relied mostly on government for opportunities to showcase performances during events or conferences, adding that when such opportunities were on hold, due to different circumstances then the industry suffered.

Dignash indicated that the sustainability of most artists in the country depended on the frequency of events lined up, as many of them earned income from them.

“Some had probably booked succession of gigs prior COVID-19 outbreak, but everything had to come to a halt when such events were cancelled,” he said.

He said it was upon individuals to rise above the waters in order to appeal and remain relevant during the difficult times, encouraging them to hone their artistic skills so that they can be recognised.

To overcome the challenges, Dignash advised them to consider utilising the digital platforms, which were becoming a norm in this era, to market their products.

In addition, he appealed to the corporate sector to assist local artists with funding, to enable them to spread their wings and venture into new opportunities.

Furthermore, Dignash urged government and internet service providers to increase internet connectivity across the country, to cater for artists who may be interested in showcasing their performances and products online.

Nonetheless, he said the issue of digital platforms could only be feasible if all artists were able to access internet as others were already financially constrained.

He urged them to be resilient as well as explore other opportunities, which they could invest in to avoid frustrations ,when crisis arise in future. He implored them to be financially literate to understand the importance of saving money and using it when they faced some life challenges.

Meanwhile, concerning the public pledge he made recently to mentor local artist Atlasaone Molemogi popularly known as ATI, whose recent videos insisting to meet President Mokgweetsi Masisi have gone viral on social media, he said he was committed to help him get out of the challenges, he was currently experiencing.

“I have made some attempts to talk to him to ascertain what could be troubling the young man and we have not made any success yet. I’m dealing with a fragile situation, which requires much wisdom and time, I won’t give up”, he added.Dignash highlighted that sometimes the accolades one got on social media made them forget who they were or how they could better deal with a situation, before it got out of proportion, adding that social media had to some  extent had an impact in sparking ATI’s conduct.

He encouraged the youth, in particular, to avoid making decisions, which might endanger their lives. ENDS