Artists ready to rock ’Plain festival stage

The artists who have auditioned to be on the bill at the Mitchell’s Plain Festival are ready to blow you away this December.

A music and business workshop run in co-operation with the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy was held for the Mitchell’s Plain Festival as well as the artists on Saturday November 19.

Musical director Trevino Isaacs said it was the first workshop of its kind for artists scheduled to perform at the festival.

Guest speakers and artists, Jarrad Ricketts, Vicky Sampson and Marsha Bothma as well as festival founder Rozario Brown and his team, spoke to the artists to share their journey and help artists with insight.

“Collaboration, networking and giving them tools in the entertainment industry and business was the theme of the day. It was useful and impactful and they received the session well,” said Mr Isaacs.

Mr Brown said the artists who auditioned to perform were excited to take to the stage. “We look forward to their performances to the audience on Saturday December 3,” he added.

When she spoke to the group of artists, Ms Sampson told them she had grown up in Hanover Park and in the course of her career had met Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela and singer and model, Grace Jones.

“As a South African artist there are many challenges, however, the world is excited about us,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of her faith, she added: “Many people thought my career was over but God. You’re only as good as what God says you are. We don’t need another American dream in South Africa. The world wants to see what we have to say. The world is excited about South Africa,” she said.

“We are the informal economy and so much more needs to be done. The first place we should look into is making our work a profession that should be taken seriously. It is a challenge that is progressing but more could be done. I am proudly South African,” she said.

Performer Vezz from Tafelsig said he feels good about his performance and is ready to rock the festival. “I’m blessed with this opportunity. Many artists want this but I am very grateful. This will be my second time on stage at the festival since the one in March,” he said.

Singer RaajSA said he was looking forward to “spreading energy”.

“There are so many challenges to get on stage again, especially after Covid-19. I was in Spain but also want to spread my vibes on this side. I’m excited to be on stage again,” he said.

Singer Jarrad Ricketts, originally from Athlone, encouraged the artists to keep dreaming. “Sometimes people don’t understand your dreams and they laugh. I made music in my bathroom and recorded it on someone else's phone through a voice memo. Today, there’s no excuses on what you want to achieve, you can make it work,” he said.

Amber Magolie, a member of Foxx Academe dance group from Ottery, said they were looking forward to dancing at the festival. “Dance is a big part of all our lives and being part of this is an amazing opportunity. We’re gonna have fun,” she said.

Girl group 4IAM will be taking to the stage for the first time.

“We are ecstatic about the performance and we cannot wait to showcase what we have prepared for South Africa. We are looking forward to seeing other artists sharing and showcasing their talents, most importantly the overall experience. People should expect to hear T-pop, a genre that we are introducing to the world. We are releasing an EP on Friday November 25 and incorporating some of the EP songs in our performance.”

The DSTV Mitchell’s Plain Festival in association with Plainsman takes place at Westridge Gardens from Friday to Sunday December 2 to 4.