As part of the 2021 Arts Alive Johannesburg International Arts Festival, Beat Makers Market in partnership with the City of Johannesburg presented a live stream experience like no other on Sunday, 26 September 2021.
The Beat Makers Market is designed for young people to explore and showcase their talents and gifts through an innovative networking event geared towards artists and music producers to build successful business relationships.
The programme featured live beat making, music workshops, beat auctions, live product demonstrations and exhibition stalls.
Vuyisile Mshudulu, the Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage in the City of Johannesburg, said: “We’ve created a space that fosters connection and collaboration with partners in the creative industry. The Beat Makers Market is one of the vehicles that enhance our digital art programme. It creates many and varied opportunities for employment and skills sharing for artists.”
Enzo Tema, the organiser of the Beat Makers Market, was thrilled about the collaboration with the City of Johannesburg. “Beat Makers Market is definitely excited to be partnering with the City of Joburg as they redefine a creative artistic future. The sign of a great city is the strength of its arts and cultural life, so thank you to the City of Joburg for keeping the arts alive.”
The next Beat Making outreach programme will take place on Wednesday, 29 September 2021, at Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra. The school has a computer lab where the Beat Makers Market software will be installed.
Pupils will be allowed to create beats during their computer lessons. Certificates will be awarded at the end of the school year by the City of Johannesburg and Beat Makers Market on completion of the programme. There are plans to spread the programme across all the seven regions in the city.
“Our Beat Making outreach programme in Alex allows young talented artists the opportunity to express freedom through Beat Makers Market and this will contribute to the sustenance of creativity and art. We are inspiring the next generation of beat makers by introducing them to the artform from an early age,” said Tema.
Written by Muhammed Essop
27/09/2021