BULAWAYO’S most celebrated Afro-pop musician Mzobanzi “Mzoe7” Mlauzi says he is working on a seminar aimed at empowering fellow creative artistes on the business aspects of the industry, including branding and marketing themselves.
Dubbed Artistic Informative Seminar, the event set for June 23 will be held at Excellent Music (CBD) and Xstudios and topics to be tackled include marketing, public relations and branding, among others.
“I realised there is much that we just do in the sector without proper guidance,” Mzoe 7 said.
“The seminar is being organised by a collective of artists in conjunction with Xstudios.
“I have spoken to a few key people we could learn from as creatives.
“I was personally inspired by the people I meet every day, there is more knowledge and wisdom.
“I get to learn new and old things that I didn’t know, especially the business side of arts.
“Most of us have only concentrated on our talents only, but we lack the administration and business skills of our talents.”
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Mzoe7, also known as Mr Gagagugu, said he believes that as creatives, if they don't start doing things for themselves no one else will.
“It’s time for growth like I said when I dropped my EP dubbed Seven that I feel like I am ready to be a complete brand and it’s wise to make sure the whole team is also,” he said.
“The aim of this seminar is to empower fellow creatives.
“If we all become great it’s easier to have each other's backs and this can make the sector grow to a sustainable industry.
“We also seek to make sure our brands appeal to cooperates and also to help each other on how to push our music be it music platforms.”
Mzoe7 said a few people from various sectors have been engaged to speak to the creatives on different topics.
“We have engaged people like Doctor Nhlapho, a strategist, Comrade Phil a radio personality, a few media power heads and promoters to name a few,” he said.
“The seminar seeks to empower all artistes from the region and country.
“Our entertainment sector has the ability to grow and we need all major players to be aligned.
“Our plan is to make this monthly or so because we need to nature our careers.
“We need tangible results and progress.”
