Swedish embassy in SA launches digital platform for artists

Sweden-South Africa Live Connection: Digitally Yours is aimed at the creative industries and will run from 4 April until 2 May.

The partnership seeks to bring together artists and stakeholders from South Africa and Sweden through virtual round-tables and performances. The digital series will incorporate creatives from various sectors such as music, fashion, literature, spoken word, media, government and academia.

The platform's programme will run as follows: literature (9 April), sustainable fashion (18 April), spoken word poetry (25 April) and virtual music concert (2 May).

The first instalment and launch of the series will commence on 4 April at 7pm. It will feature a round-table discussion with curators from various industries in the creative sector as well as performances from musicians and poets. It will be moderated by poet and radio personality MoAfrika 'a Mokgathi.

Confirmed local musicians taking part in the series include Msaki, Ayanda Jiya and Rams. They will be joined by Swedish poet Burcu Sahin, radio personality Phemelo Motene, textile recyclers Rewoven and PR guru Maria McCloy.

A complete line-up will be shared on the embassy of Sweden’s website and social media platforms.

“Let’s take a bold step into the digital age,” Swedish ambassador to South Africa Cecilia Julin said. “COVID-19 has given us ample reasons to really explore digital solutions for interchange and socialising. I look forward to seeing you online.”

The embassy said it had curated and procured the services of a range of artists to contribute to the series.

“This series not only affords the opportunity for promoting income generation, co-learning and support in a time of strain, but opens a whole new opportunity for the creative industries to benefit and thrive from the digital revolution,” it said. “The embassy of Sweden, together with its partners, invite the public to engage as they digitally connect creatives in both Sweden and South Africa to discuss challenges, opportunities, and perform and reflect on the times.”

McCloy, who is a publicists for musicians like Thandiswa Mazwai, Nakhane and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, told Music In Africa that she was excited to take part in the new initiative.

"We are in a gig economy and now that gigs are gone what shall we do? What is our safety net? Everyone now relies on the arts for entertainment and comfort, but who will make sure the creative industry will be ok? I'm happy to be part of a conversation that'll hopefully map practical ways forward.”

The digital series will be streamed via the Swedish embassy’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.