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R-Kay The Music Doctor The Big Stage
The Harare International Festival of the Arts has been rated as one of the top 10 festivals in the world in a survey carried by CNN. So if that’s the case then this is our own platform to translate our local artistes into international artiste. A look back at the happenings over the years will communicate that a number of local acts have been given a grand opportunity to trade their craft and raise their profile on this prestigious stage.

I remember the early years of participating in the festival as an artist myself, my view or my main objective was to get paid and I know a lot other bands and musicians who like me felt the same.

Some even went on to say they would not perform ever again as they felt maybe the monetary benefit was not up to their expectations. Well today I really must say we had a limited mindset and lacked the holistic vision and benefit that came with this engagement.

Before I move away from that thought you really can’t blame us because most artistes get into the game hunting for dollars such that an opportunity that cometh your way all you see are dollar signs.

It is an important principle to put value on your work as an artist but also be careful not to over value yourself and forget the other streams that are created during strategic engagements.

I am also not saying people should take you for granted but you should be able to see beyond today’s payment. As I look back at the benefits of HIFA I can see quite a number of artistes who have been given a major leap on to the international stage. The number of local acts performing at festivals around the world has tremendously increased.

During the festival last year I attended a workshop that brought together under one roof festival directors, music director producers including artistes themselves.

It was an opportunity to exchange information from different countries and a grand opportunity for the artists to sell themselves to new possible markets.

Every artist present was given an opportunity to present their projects to the key people who would then follow through after the festival. Guess what, among the artists that where present some of them where not even performing on any stage during the festival but they had read the program and so they had come as they were looking for a break.

As the days countdown, I want to urge artiste to begin to prepare their press kits, promo packs as this rare happening is a must take advantage of.

Given another day outside the festival you would never be able to meet with some of these international directors and even if you tried to knock on their doors it would be impossible.

This is our showcase and it is an opportunity for us to bask in the light of the international community and celebrate our arts and crafts.

I know that the organizers will be releasing the program and let the artistes know whether they have made it for this year’s festival.

Let me at this point say that arts festivals are not necessarily about making money but are an opportunity for one to raise their visibility and promote themselves.

So whether one gets the main stage or the other stages that is real insignificant. Someone is watching, music scouts are busy doing their thing, festival directors and international producers are looking for the next best thing.

Every year since the inception of the festival of the arts many artistes have found the break and maybe this year is your opportunity.

You may be called and given a slot or you may not have submitted an application to participate but he’s the good news you still can be a part of the action. It’s not just about performing, it’s about using this stage to network and promote yourself. Don’t say I didn’t tell you .

◆ Richard ‘R-Kay the Music Doctor’ Kohola is a radio producer/presenter, arts critic and music development expert and can be contacted on 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]/[email protected]