To most African societies, Artistes still wail, with most carrying quite a heavy load in a fight to sustain both their passion for talent, and themselves. Around us, most rising talented artistes are in between committing to education, their parents/families’ vision for them alongside building their talent.
Most talented artistes around lack direction, management, investment and others just a platform to prove what is within them. It’s quite a fight to get to the limelight, them further very challenging to stay up there (without being lost in the fame). With this, some have risked their talents in a bid to pursue other careers; since to society Art isnt considered ‘Income generating’ for one.
The challenging aspect is how passion is being drained out of the once young, focused and talented youth- then replaced by the mega mind of survival. Its challenging- with these since times, nowadays the public still lags behind when it gets to vividly honoring artistic acts. For instance, if a musician, painter, dancer, writer, actor, instrumentalist, model, comedian, fashion designer, music producer or film maker sets his price for a service or goods they are to deliver, one would boastfully stand proud and say, “All that, for just a painting/ jumping on stage/ making people laugh…!”.
The public will blame it on ‘Poor, unprofessional artistic acts’, yet there is little or barely nothing to show in support of Artistry (Right from the Education structure, policies in favor of Art development and investment or even well-developed infrastructure to give rising artistes a shoulder).
To develop African Artistry needs real commitment and engagement- yet policies(from politics) are just a backup. May be the public needs to reconsider and focus on the wonders each talent would well play- when fit in well and recognized. Building on the little shred we possess is vital- before they all phase out, I think.
Andrew Israel Kazibwe is an African- Rwanda based Arts writer- curious about life, and as a learner openly expressing unfolding issues and interpretation about the Arts…
Andy's Sight 