By Nokwanda Shabangu
The performing arts seek to present people with a dynamic perspective of life. They ought to engage with your emotions and your intellect, where unquestionable thoughts are dissected and unspeakable realities are uttered through creaking stage-floors. Live performances are impregnated with epiphanies of self-actualisation by giving one greater understanding of oneself. And by attending live performances such as Up & Coming showcase hosted by Bardill Entertainment, one is offered with an enriching and enlightening experience of the evolution of performing arts in Johannesburg.
“Every artist was once an amateur” and through constant practice, constructive criticism, enigmatic growth and the help of eminent platforms and venues – Johannesburg artists are flourishing in their artistry. They are making strides in diversifying their material and ultimately cultivating themselves into (more) professional musicians. Up & Coming is a platform which was established in an attempt to fill a gap in developing performing artists, primarily musicians, by offering them a recurring platform to showcase themselves and in so doing, evolve as artists. Having seen the likes of Melanie Scholtz and Nduduzo Makhathini incorporated into this diverse programme – the excitement is evident when the event takes place on the last Wednesday of every month. With their exclusive venue at The Blue Room inside Moyo, situated in Melrose Arch and an effective PR plan – the artists are given immense respect as they approach the stage which sustains them for the night. As the audience indulge in an evening atmosphere of musical-stimulation in their semi-formal attire.
More recently the Up & Coming programme offered a harmonious instalment which featured artists like 8 Bars Short, Inana and Throwback, all of whom were accompanied by their full bands which displayed the complex-thoughtfulness each artist presented. The intimate ambiance was initiated by upcoming duo 8 Bars Short, who have recently been signed by Motif Records. Rightfully so, the pair depict a delicate-strength through their lyricism and delivery. They were followed by Native Rhythms artist, Inana who hails from Kwa-Zulu Natal. A guitarist and songwriter whose impressive vocal-range left the audience in awe and yearning for more of her material. The evening ended with a bang as a band known as Throwback raised the energy levels to unrestricted heights. And the audience found sheer pleasure and prance in the nostalgic quality of their music and the vitality of these young performers.
As the evening drew to an end and spectators began to mingle with the musicians – various questions crossed my mind… How often do these artists perform on a stage which is created for them and not for the greater good of a promoter’s pocket? How many of these audience members will use these performances as a point of reference in their writings and general conversation? Apparently less than 5% of the total South African population are concert-goers which is heart-breaking considering that there is an endless supply of local artists brimming with home-brewed content.
Yet, the beauty about platforms such as Up & Coming and Keep it Live is that they were founded on the premise to provide better resources and to reinvigorate an allegiance amongst artists, by artists themselves. That is why we give thanks to venues such as The Afrikan Freedom Station in Westdene, The Orbit in Braamfontein, The Bean Republic in Melrose, Niki’s Oasis in Newtown, Katzy’s in Rosebank, The Lighthouse in Melville and numerous other spaces who acknowledge and appreciate who’s Up and Coming in Johannesburg.
