Boom Box Sessions keep Soweto Alive

Urban Craft magazine caught up with South African music promoter and organiser of an event that has over the last few months not only put Soweto on the map but given its upcoming talent a platform from which they can launch their careers from, one Masethembe Golozana[Ras Emotion], and this is what he had to say;

What is the name of your event?

Soweto Boom Box Sessions

When was it established?

It was established last year May, so in a few months time we will be commemorating our first anniversary.

Who is the brains behind it?

The Boom Sessions came together as a result of the tireless efforts of Masethembe Golozana[Ras Emotion], Lebohang Mofaledi[D-Razor] and Velaphi tshabalala[Mshengu Shabba]

Where is it based?

It is based in Soweto (Phiri Mapetla)

What do you aim to achieve through this initiative?

The goal is to empower,promote and give upcoming and disadvantaged artists the platform to showcase their craft to the public

Who are some of the more notable names that have come through your event?

Kommanda Obbs and other local artists such as Chris Of Peace, BoizaChuta, Success, Ferguson, Froz and PediKatse to name a few

How often do you host this event?

We host it monthly but due to the lack of capital we often skipped a few editions along the way but whenever it came back again, the shows were (and are) always packed!

Thus far, how has been the response from the artists themselves?

The artists are happy with the show because it has brought them more exposure and opportunities but then you know the struggle for upcoming artist when it comes to paying gigs.

Any highlights/achievements?

We managed to get more supporters,potential investors and promotion on the radio too for the Boom Sessions. It is only the beginning and I believe more brighter days and milestones are still ahead of us!

What are your plans for this event going forward?

Going forward we have every intention of staying on course in the fulfillment of our chief goal which is Empowering upcoming artists.

We plan to get sponsors and encourage the participation of more artists in the industry. The other thing that we are working on is introducing a periodical mixtape featuring songs from some of the best takents who would have come through to perfom at our shows. These are some of the avenues that we are exploring, all in an effort to promote these new and upcoming voices and give them an equal platform for exposure like everyone else.

When and where is your next event?

The next show will be in March but the exact date and venue are still to be confirmed.

Anything that the fans can look forward to in the next edition of the Soweto Boom Box Sessions?

We have approached quite a number of big artists who have expressed an interest in the show and some of these artists will from here on grace our shows as 'surprise guests/performers'. We hope that their presence will surely have a positive effect on the event itself and the upcoming artists as it gives them a chance to rub shoulders with some of their idols.