MASERU – The Lesotho Spring Music Conference is providing a platform for artists and other stakeholders in the music industry to discuss challenges affecting the sector and explore ways of strengthening the creative economy.
Speaking at the conference, Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture representative Ms.Tokelo Mapena said the government recognised the potential of the creative industry through the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II, which identified creative industry sectors as areas with potential to create employment opportunities.
She said the Ministry had this year embarked on a campaign to ensure that the creative industry becomes a thriving sector, noting that creatives are now operating in a digital environment while some policies governing the sector date back to 2005.
Ms. Mapena said the Ministry had visited all 10 districts as part of its digital environment roadmap to identify challenges facing creatives, with the findings expected to inform the development and review of policies.
She said the government is also making efforts to support creatives, citing the hosting of music awards as one of the initiatives aimed at recognising the contribution of artists.
She, however, identified access to funding as one of the challenges facing the creative industry, saying government support and financial resources remain important for the growth of the sector.
Meanwhile,Lesotho National commission for UNESCO Secretary General Mrs. Mabafokeng Seala said culture plays an important role in sustainable development and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She said UNESCO supports Lesotho’s efforts to develop policies that respond to the needs of people working in the creative sector.
Mrs. Seala said stakeholder engagement is important to ensure that the policy reflects the experiences and needs of creatives and other users on the ground.
She said UNESCO will continue supporting the development of a policy that is relevant to Lesotho’s creative sector.
An organiser Mr. Sechaba Mokoqo known as ”SirSchaba” said the gathering provides artists with an opportunity to come together, share ideas and address issues affecting the music industry.
He said having talent alone is not enough, as Basotho artists need to ensure that their music reaches radio and television audiences locally and internationally.
Mr. Mokoqo said music is a universal language and artists should be intentional about producing quality music that can compete with music from other parts of the world.
He said the conference has brought together experts who will assist artists with knowledge on how to improve their work and increase its chances of being featured on international platforms such as Channel O.
He said the conference has been held for 11 years and has faced various challenges, but continued support has enabled it to grow.
He encouraged artists to use platforms such as the Spring Music Conference to discuss issues affecting them and find ways of working together to contribute to the growth of the economy.
He said the industry is now beginning to see artists putting more effort into their work and taking the music business more seriously.
The Lesotho Spring Music Conference is an annual music industry gathering in Maseru designed to educate , mentor and professionalize local artists and stakeholders.
Ends/ MAMAJ
