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You are important. If you're in the entertainment industry, chances are you took a real knock over the past two years! But Naledi Tlailane reckons that the thick skin that entertainers have had to develop from a career full of auditions (and subsequent rejections) helped prepare them for the ultimate "No" of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Naledi Tlailane is an actress, storyteller, presenter, voice artist, and aspiring documentary short filmmaker. She's an art and drama practitioner mostly working with children from underprivileged communities and uplifting our environment. This week's episode is a small window into the life of a high-energy performer who gets to explore her goofy side in her drama work. Recorded sometime last year, Naledi and I chatted about creativity as a survival instinct, rejection as a tool for resilience, the importance of remembering where you started and WHY you do this! We also talk a little about the slow unfurling of the music scene post-covid, and how EVERYBODY should stay creative, whether or not it's your job. "Ethereal" by Rikus Nieuwenhuis (Karmic Kick). Music used with permission from the rights holder. Follow Naledi on Instagram · Find Naledi on Facebook · Subscribe to Naledi on YouTube

If the artists think so, it must be true right? Artists, more often than not, head into the dimly lit spaces that most fear to tread. They take the unpalatable aspects of being alive and transmute them into beautiful morsels that make reality and 'adulting' feel less lonely. In this episode, Daniel Friedman takes the driver's seat and shines a spotlight on your host Shotgun Tori's new EP 'It's Gonna Be Fine!' Riding Shotgun, she takes the guest seat, unpacking the making of this EP, the funding from SAMRO, the incredible musicians who feature on it, and whether she thinks it's actually GONNA be fine. Shotgun Tori is an indie folk singer/songwriter who believes that stories are to be shared and not left to wither quietly. Point in case. This EP was made possible by SAMRO's MCSF Initiative. Website

"The business is as important as the product." Bart Janssen is a producer, composer, and guitarist from the Netherlands and working with companies like Universal, Disney, and Talpa, he has developed a strong portfolio. Bart is a well-known session guitar player and has performed with acts like the Backstreet Boys and Il Divo. Aside from producing several radio hits in the Netherlands, his music features on TV, radio, and internet ads. We met over a decade ago, and his pop sensibilities have shifted many of the ways that I look at music. In this conversation, we focus on songwriting for other artists, as well as ways to make a living in the music industry. This episode is FULL of really great advice for anyone trying to make money making music. Find Bart on Instagram

“I’m not asking a boy to come to band practice, I’m doing my own music now" Jolene East (Jolling / The Honeymooners) is a singer-songwriter and a ukulele player, who loves to write authentic songs that bring out the emotions in people. Alongside her husband Steve East (Crystal Park / The Honeymooners), she also runs the venue Tweefontein Melkery. In this charming (and delightfully hilarious) episode, Jolene talks about how karaoke brought her closer to the music, releasing her new EP, showing Vanilla Ice how to sokkie and the extent to which she missed festivals during lockdown: “I want to have no shoes on and have a doring in my foot, slide in mud and ruin my outfit early in the day. It’s fine!” Her EP, "Fetch Me", was released worldwide through Just Music and can be found on all online platforms. Outro music: "I know I love you" by Jolling. Music used with permission from rights holders. Follow Jolene on Instagram · Jolling on Linktr.ee

"It's not just about the money, it about a sense of self-worth" Andre Le Roux is the Managing Director of IKS Cultural Consulting, head of the Concerts SA Project, on the board of the Market Theatre Foundation and the Audit and Risk Committee of Music in Africa, as well as the Southern African Focal Point for the African Culture Fund. He is considered a highly regarded African cultural activist, and this week on the podcast we're talking about funding opportunities for musicians! In this episode: what's been lost in the sector over the last two years, the Concerts SA Digital Mobility Fund (and best practices!), how the act of applying for funding can get 'some people out of that dark place of being alone', sharing information with other artists, unlocking the nighttime economy in our cities, and the importance of visionary leadership. This should be required listening for any independent artist invested in their careers. To find out more about funding opportunities, head to the Facebook link below. To get in touch directly with regards to the Digital Mobility Fund, email DMF@IKSafrica.com. For general questions, email Hello@IKSafrica.com Outro music: Supa Tsela by Kgomotso Le Roux featuring DJ Clap. Music used with permission from rights holders. IKS Cultural Consulting on Facebook · Please complete the streaming models survey · Connect with Andre

"If you have kids, love them, have fun with them, and show them all of you." Welcome to Episode #10 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from the Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Justin Sasman is a musical contractor, a brass player, and an educator at Northwest University in Potchefstroom. He plays in a band called Bombshelter Beast, and in the local orchestra. He's also a dad. In this episode Justin talks about being selective about the work you take on, the self-esteem that comes from doing what you love (despite what anybody else thinks), remembering what is feels like to be a child, and how developing your craft makes you a better parent. We also chat about how child-friendly venues could better support musicians who are parents, the importance of maintaining a sense of child-like wonder, and the perspective shift that comes with having kids (hint: all the things we think are important, aren't!) Outro music: 'Taka Takata' by Bombshelter Beast. Music used with permission from rights holders. Bombshelter Beast on Facebook · Brass Collective on Facebook · The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra on Facebook · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"This industry is unstable unless you have your feet firmly on the ground." Welcome to Episode #9 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from the Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Mama Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a musician, a philanthropist, and a lover of life. She's also a mother. In this episode Yvonne talks about being a mom at 19, signing to a label, recording an album and becoming an overnight success. She talks about children as a gift from God, bringing her son on tour (and the artists who look after each-others kids backstage), being present as a mother and the importance of front-liner artists paying decent salaries to those behind the scenes. What an incredible honour it was to have this conversation. Outro music: 'Kulila' by Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Music used with permission from rights holder. Mama Yvonne on Facebook · Mama Yvonne on Instagram · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"Just brace yourself. It’s hard but it’s also beautiful." Welcome to Episode #8 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from the Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Mapumba is a singer/songwriter and a guitarist who's into music, sound and life. He's based in Cape Town, and he's also a dad. In today's episode Mapumba talks about the differences between raising a teen vs. a young child, how his refugee background taught him the value of giving your children a sense of security, the emotional support systems required for artists, how your wealth is the love that you put into your creative practice (that's the only thing you have any control over!), and being prepared to take whatever comes with being a parent. Outro music: Mountains by Mapumba Music used with permission from the rIghts holder. Mapumba on Instagram · Mapumba on Bandcamp · Mapumba on Spotify · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"I didn’t know my own strength until having a child." Welcome to Episode #7 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from the Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Tamara Dey is a creator, a manifestor, a mother, an entertainer, and a magic-maker. In this episode Tamara talks about being a ‘crazy, silly, embarrassing music fan’, finding spaces where all the aspects of you come into play, ageism in the music industry, disco therapy, and bringing a child into the world on your own. We also chat about how having kids shows you what you’re made of, the stigmas attached to having a baby when you’re a musician, making bold choices, importance of self-care and teaching your children that you CAN make money doing something you love. Outro track: ‘Fire’ by Tamara Dey ft. Craig Massiv. Music used with permission from rights holders. Tamara Dey on Instagram · Tamara Dey on Twitter · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"Rather embrace parenthood AND your status as a musician and creator." Hagen Engler is a word artist, a singer, a guitarist, a spoken word performer, a writer, the author of a book called The Trustees, frontman for a band called The Feel So Strongs. He's also known as Inspector Ras. And he's a dad. In this episode we talk about co-parenting (and finding practical ways to make it work), leaving a lasting legacy, stressful experiences as fuel for creative material (and relaxing as a form of self-love!), understanding your own work through fresh eyes, the importance of prolonging a musicians career and the rich, nuanced art that comes with age. He also talks about being an extra in his daughter's TikTok videos, band dynamics like a five-way marriage, the skill of aging, and living intentionally. Outro music: 'Glimmer of Light' by the Jedi Rollers. Used with permission from rights holders. Hagen Engler on Twitter · The Feel So Strongs on Facebook · Hagen's Blog · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"If you want a family, just do it!" Welcome to Episode #5 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Jennifer Eaves is a songwriter, an artist, a poet, a painter, a pianist, a teacher, a singer, a guitarist, and one of the composers of a band called Jenny and the Jameses. She's also a mom. In this episode we talk about being a full-time musician when you're also a single mum, recording an album after everybody has gone to bed, helping your children develop a sense of appreciation for the arts, and the beauty of how the folk music community rally behind each other. Outro music: 'Old Days' by Jennifer Eaves. Music used with permission from rights holders. Jennifer's website · Jenny on Instagram · Jenny & the Jameses on Facebook · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"You're walking around with your heart walking around next to you." Welcome to Episode #4 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Zolani Mahola’s mandate is to have fun and to play in this next incarnation in her life. She's a singer, a storyteller, an actress, an artist and a mum. She's also The One Who Sings. In this episode, Zolani talks about the creativity that comes from the vulnerability of parenting, dreams that include bringing children on tour, the necessity for 'tag team' parenting when both parents work in the creative industries, the advocacy that we can do for ourselves as artists, and the importance of doing things that bring you closer to yourself. Outro music: 'Lullaby for Zen' by The One Who Sings. Music used with permission from rights holder. Zolani's website · Zolani on Instagram · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"You're a migrant labourer that goes into the sky, not into the ground." Welcome to Episode #3 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Guest: Siyabonga Mthembu (The Brother Moves On) Siyabonga Mthembu is a performance artist, a curator, the vocalist from The Brother Moves On, and the first returning guest on our show. He's also a dad. In this episode we talk about what it means to be a parent when you're on tour internationally for 30/40 days at a time. Siya talks about exposing your children to the arts (but not putting them on tv!), about kids writing catchy songs, having a village to raise them, being a safe place, and getting older. He also talks about the importance of knowing what KIND of artist you are, and he poses some incredibly important questions to South African artists. Outro music: 'Elders' by The Brother Moves On. Music used with permission from rights holders. Siyabonga Mthembu on Instagram · The Brother Moves On on Instagram · Siyabonga Mthembu on Twitter. · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"You don't have to give up everything." Welcome to Episode #2 in a 10-part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from Music in Africa Foundation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Guest: Shane Durrant (Desmond and the Tutus) Shane Durrant is a musician, a songwriter, a creative director, and a dad. He's also the frontman of the band Desmond and the Tutus. Tune in to this episode to listen to a delightful conversation about whether (or not) you HAVE to give up your career in a rock band when you become a parent (and how being the primary caregiver could impact that choice). We also chat about MySpace and the (crazy cool) opportunities it manifested, 15 years of being in a band, how having kids can change the creative process, the value of culture and music and how financial support for artists is an investment. Outro music: 'Ladybug' by Desmond and the Tutus. Music used with permission from rights holders. Desmond and the Tutus on Instagram · Desmond and the Tutus on Facebook · Desmond and the Tutus on Twitter · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office

"I knew that I wanted to touch peoples lives one way or another." Welcome to Episode #1 in a 10 part series on "Parents in the Music Industry" - made possible with funding support from Music in Africa Foundation, The German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut. Guest: Buyisiwe Njoko (Sun Xa Experiment) Buyisiwe Njoko is a mom, a writer, a songwriter, a philosopher, a teacher, a free thinker, a humanitarian who believes in liberty and the vocalist of Sun Xa Experiment. In this interview she talks about the importance of professionalism, having your affairs in order, being present as a mother, the role of the extended family, and the need for the industry to support the mental health aspects of parenting and performing. Outro track: 'Ungubani' by Sun Xa Experiment. Music used with permission from rights holders. Buyisiwe Njoko on Instagram · Sun Xa Experiment on Instagram · Sun Xa Experiment on Bandcamp · Music in Africa Foundation · Siemens Stiftung · Goethe-Institut · German Federal Foreign Office · Buyisiwe on LinkedIn

When they lose support, they lose their power... With a career in the creative industries spanning 15 years Angela Weickl has fulfilled multiple roles - talent agent, music industry consultant, journalist, DJ, and radio show host to name a few. She is also the director of the South African chapter of shesaidso. In today's episode we chat about writing under pseudonyms, a life-long love affair with music, her involvement with shesaid.so (a global community that consists of women and gender minorities from all sectors of the music industry), the process of creating a Ted Talk, being pro-artist, and how it's time to get a strong handle on your career. Ang also talks about the extra hurdles that women and the LGBTQ+ community have to overcome in the music industry, and what YOU can do to help the problem. What a rad conversation! Outro music: 'Your Mother Never Taught You Manners' - Rose Bonica Used with permission from rights holder. Angela on Instagram · Angela on Twitter

Inspired career beginnings, being a parent in music, & PR advice FTW! Zethu Gqola (Music Industry Marketing Campaign Manager) Zethu Gqola is a marketing campaign manager working in the music and events industries. She creates marketing strategies and campaigns for the music releases of some of the biggest artists in Africa. She's also a mom that I met through the shesaid.so Parenthood Committee (a community of parents within shesaid.so, formed to support and hear the voices of parents of all genders, who are members or allies. The committee's objective is to provide a supportive and open platform to empower parents in the music industry). In this episode - a career journey that kicks off with a solo 23 hour bus trip to CPT, is initially powered by a social media presence, and currently also involves juggling motherhood. Zethu unpacks the challenges (as well as some of the advantages) of being a parent in music, how the industry could better support moms, what to do with ideas you're not planning to use immediately, and some GREAT PR advice for any artists trying to reach an audience. As she says in the interview, Zethu is always open to answering any career questions you may have. Non-creepy DM's welcome. Outro music: Black, free & beautiful by Moonga k. Music used with permission from rights holder. Zethu on TikTok · Zethu on Insta

Finn MacKinnon (Tjoon and Burning Groove) Tjoon - free education & tech tools for South African independent musicians Finn MacKinnon likes to find solutions to problems. He's a dreamer, an entrepreneur, a musician, and co-founder of a new platform called Tjoon. It brings free education and tech tools to help South African independent musicians manage their copyrights and careers and earn royalties from the music. It's a beautiful colab between music and tech. This episode is all about arming yourself with knowledge to go out and tackle the world of music business things. DIY for the win. As Finn says "I think the ball is firmly in our court. We've got to educate ourselves, we've got to take control over our rights, we've got to take control over our industry. And we've got to make sure that we get paid. Because, as we've seen, no one else is going to do it for us." Outro music: Silence the Screams by Caution Boy. Music used with permission from rights holder. Tjoon Website · Burning Groove on IG · Caution Boy on IG

"I want to get this degree and come back and change people's lives" - Lana Lana Crowster is a singer/songwriter, creative, and a musical entrepreneur. And an absolute delight. In today's episode we chat about travelling internationally for music, singing backing vocals for your heroes, the story behind the Lady Day Big Band, music and arts as one of SA's most amazing exports, and leaving the world in a better place. Also, you can help get Lana to New York University for a degree in the music business by heading to the back-a-buddy link at below. "I really want to go do this thing and get this degree and come back and help change people's lives. And make sure that everybody can be successful in music, but also have longevity. And look after themselves and their families." - Lana Crowster Outro Music: 'Fake' by Lana Crowster. Music used with permission from rights holder. Lana's Bandcamp · Lana on Facebook · Help Lana get to NYU

Are you a band looking to one day tour SA? Listen to this episode! Wikipedia calls Toast Coetzer a South African poet. He would say that he's a writer, a travel journalist and the vocalist of The Buckfever Underground. In this week's episode - the birth and beginnings of The Buckfever Underground, proper DIY merch-making and 'artifacts', the cumulative effect of consistently making things (KEEP MAKING THINGS!), the most delightful behind the scenes glimpse into a tour when you're a band with a cult following, and SO MUCH good advice for indie artists wanting to do the same. With a ton of references to the landscape of the SA music scene at a certain point in our history, I'd call this episode a historically important artifact. Also, if you're a writer keen on submitting your work to the Ons Klyntji Zine, email sendusyourpoems@gmai.com Outro music: 'The Valley of Dancing Stones' by The Buckfever Underground from the EP 'Satelliet'. Music used with permission from rights holder. The Buckfever Underground on IG · Toast Coetzer on IG · Toast Coetzer on FB