The sixth annual SEAfrica conference, dedicated to showbiz, entertainment and the arts, recently took place in a hybrid format, which was aired live to the South African and Botswana creative markets from the AMPD Studio in Johannesburg’s Newtown Junction mall.
“We’re excited for the comeback of the SEAfrica Conference with the critical theme of Digital Audience Development as the entertainment industry navigates the world of Covid-19 and the immense challenges that it brings, particularly for the creative industry,” said Peter Sibeko, the founder and chairman of SEAfrica.
The conference, now in its sixth year, sought to assist, enhance, and promote arts marketing and audience engagement abilities among industry experts. It featured ways of growing and retaining audiences by staying current with internet trends and innovative techniques.
Speakers included Relebogile Mabotja (South Africa), Anny Deery (Scotland), Margo Hurling (South Africa), Jeremy Wellman (USA), Obakeng Kokwe (Botswana), Nana Asihene (Ghana), Boitumelo Rametsi (South Africa), as well as many other artists who sparked lively conversations. All offered information to help elevate debates regarding the value of the creative industry in emerging countries.
Ntshuxeko Manganye, the Deputy Director of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in the City of Johannesburg’s Community Development Department, delivered the keynote address.
“As the City of Johannesburg, we would like to acknowledge SEAfrica as a platform that is always innovative and breaking new ground in terms of discussions, conversations, and discourse by which it is always conversing on relevant topics.
“We are very delighted that with SEAfrica we can engage in very important debates,” she stated.
“We would also like to thank the team for putting together this conference for the benefit of all our audiences. We are very happy to be here and to be a part of such an endeavour.”
Arts Alive and the City of Johannesburg also facilitated a virtual exhibition as part of the Joburg Arts Alive International Festival.
Speaking on the panel of mastering the art of algorithm, Boitumelo Rametsi, a proud South African ambassador for Fenty x Savage, said: “In a nutshell, algorithm is a set of rules on how you can reach a certain level of success. It’s really important for our generation to understand that algorithm all starts with your higher self of awareness, understanding who you are and what you are about.
“It takes a lot of self-introspection to attain a degree of mastery within algorithm,” she added.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
01/12/2021