Skip to main content

RADIO IS STILL THE SHXT!!


I was super excited to be at the Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA) Grantee Orientation Workshop 2023, where we got to see this little-known organization in action, doing what they set out to achieve through their mandate.


The MDDA's mission is to support the development of a vibrant, innovative, sustainable, and people-centered community and small commercial media sector through resourcing, critical sector insights, capacity-building, and ensuring inclusive participation of historically disadvantaged communities.

you can see on their website what they are truly about mdda website


It was particularly interesting to experience this workshop happening in the backdrop of the Telkom Radio Awards and Spotify Wrapped just a few days prior.


Being there and seeing how they continue to guide and support community radio into the future, despite many detractors of the sector claiming the "death" of radio.


I mentioned Spotify Wrapped because for a while, particularly in music circles, artists are of the opinion that streaming platforms would change things in their favor. However, as we have obviously seen lately from the artists complaining about how little they make from these platforms, people like Snoop Dogg saying that they have received as little as 45 thousand dollars for a billion streams. From that alone, you can imagine how unknown up-and-coming artists are faring.


The community and small commercial media sector is still the best place to support and empower artists, provided the sector overcomes its legacy challenges and aligns with new innovations in technology.


Being at the MDDA conference gave me insight into the challenges radio stations are facing: issues with incompetent station managers, compliance issues, useless board members, and the lack of involvement from the communities.


But the three-day conference, which happens annually and has been in existence for the past 20 years, capacitating the sector, proved that radio, along with the various stakeholders' support, can continue to create opportunities for artists.


Some of the organizations in attendance were the BCCSA talking on content regulation, the GCIS discussing media bulk buying and the sector's sustainability, SARS addressing tax compliance for public benefit organizations and exemption from income tax, and DSD discussing NPO registration and compliance. A lot was said by many other speakers, and you can find the live recording of the whole program on this link below.👇👇

Facebook live broadcast


THANK YOU FOR READING.

LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE WITH OTHERS!!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I feel most alive when making or performing music. I simply can't disconnect from it.

Thanks for the warm welcome. My full name is Tlotliso Ambrose Lesola (K), known as De Arabian Sax . Honestly, go nneteng nje , I wouldn’t call it a spark — it was more like a plug. I was born into a family of musicians, or rather, artists. My father is a brass instrumentalist, and so are my brother and sister, while my mother is a vocalist. I never really intended to pursue music as a career. It’s just always been in me — I feel most alive when making or performing music. I simply can't disconnect from it. I never even realized it could become a thing , you know? Ke wetse! My sound? God’s sound! Haha. It’s hard to explain because the way I prepare is more spiritual than technical. I see many artists rehearse, memorize, and get ready — but for me, it's different. I won’t claim to know what makes my music stand out, but I do know that the delivery of each message in every song is unique. My saxophone playing, my voice — they may resemble others in some ways, but there’s on...
Post a Comment
Read more

Music is more than just a talent—it’s something I respect and adore.

Meet Tumisang Matshediso – A Passionate Drummer and Sound Engineer with a Vision for Gospel Music My name is Tumisang Matshediso , a proud native of Morokweng village in the North West province. I am a drum player by profession and a sound engineer at my local church, where I’m also currently learning to play the keyboard. My love for music began at just 8 years old , playing drums in church. That early start laid the foundation for what has now become a deep and lifelong passion. Music is more than just a talent—it’s something I respect and adore . It has introduced me to many great musicians who appreciate my style and the spirit I bring to every performance. I draw inspiration from some of South Africa’s most professional gospel drummers — Sabu Satsha , Sinikiwe Mabaso , and Mfundo Mngadi —as well as from my own band , who push me to strive harder through every rehearsal and performance. My Journey It hasn't been easy. I’ve faced challenges, from being overlooked or unde...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ntshikiwane-Musical medicine woman.

join us as we chat with a South African afro soul singer-songwriter-guitarist to learn more about her music, creative process, and influences. Chilliechewer- What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music Ntshikiwane-  My late father is my biggest inspiration. I come from a family of singers so I knew I would somehow end up doing that as a career. Chilliechewer-  Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music? Ntshikiwane-  My music is about bringing people back to themselves and helping them remember who and what they are. So many times we are taught that our identities are tied to what we do, who we know or what we have. As cliché as it is, everything we are seeking is within. Through my music I intend that people take a break from the chase and be still long enough to reconnect with the deeper part of themselves. here is one of her beautiful music video  Chilliechewer-  Who are your musical influences, and how have they sh...
Post a Comment
Read more