The creative industry is a lucrative market that warrant exploration.
This sentiment comes after a two-day gathering that saw enthusiasts in the creative industry explore different scenarios.
The discussions at the Showbiz Entertainment Africa (SEAfrica) conference opened up information to many who came there to check what is up in this industry and where are the deals.
Interesting conversations highlighted how in the middle of hustling, each one looks at opportunities and benefits. A possible space for a dog eats dog attitude, an approach agreed it is inhuman and cannot go on unchallenged.
Key to the discussion was governance within the arts and culture industry which when unattended, discrepancies happen and affect the most vulnerable who ends up being displaced in the society. People involved in this industry were urged to behave as responsible corporate citizens.
The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) explained that the percentage of royalties depends on the role of a person, being it individual recording artist, band member present at the time of recording and studio producers.
Tshepo Maseko, Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator at South Africa African Tourism said: “The creative industry is part of the priority programmes within the National Development Plan. Attracting people to come to South Africa so that they spend money in the country is part of the SA Tourism mandate.”
When asked about the support SA Tourism gives, Maseko said that resources are limited and each request is prioritised in term of merit, but preference is given more to organised formations such as associations unlike individuals. The support includes preparation to bid to host, promotion of the event and places of interest including linking with traveling agents.
The impact of safety and stability is far reaching and when compromised South Africa loses out as a preferred destination for tourists and investors. Lalu Mongala from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a sound engineer who has been living in South Africa since 1993, said he was excited to be at the conference. “I am learning a lot and looking forward to a discussion regarding the 4th Industrial Revolution within the creative industry.”
Propelling attendees to be part of the 4th Industrial Revolution was a message carried through. Once access to free data is made available, the creative market will be unlocked and provide opportunities to create jobs, so affirmed the conference. John Kani, David Greshma, Pfanani Lishivha, Nirvani Singh and Milly Summersgill brought interesting discussions, ranging from being an actor, producer, content manager and channel manager. All these specialists shared information to assist in elevating the discussions about the importance of the creative industry in a developing country.
