THE annual Ryco Gospel Artistes of the Year Awards hosted at least six different award ceremonies in Langkloof on October 25, to showcase artistes from different communities.
According to Rhyno Davidson, CEO of Ryco, the youth in rural communities are often isolated from the bigger art platforms and from various musical opportunities, which often resulted in them not reaching their full potential in the arts industry.
Davidson says the arts ceremony provides a sense of belonging within the community and gives people something to look forward to.
“Taking into consideration the issues and challenges experienced by rural communities which are far from their bigger cities and towns, it is beneficial to people’s mental health to have something new and exciting to enjoy and share with others,” he says.
Owing to the vital role gospel music plays in shaping Langkloof, Davidson believes the yearly award ceremony provides gospel artistes with new hope. He says the musical arts industry encouraged artistes to think and experience things a bit differently than other disciplines and practices as it is more open–ended and not governed by rules.
“This programme will open doors for artistes living in rural areas to showcase their talents in other bigger towns and we will mentor them to produce their own CDs and DVDs,” says Davidson. “The winners and all artistes who participated in the competition will receive ongoing support and as they progress, they will have the opportunity to perform internationally at our Namibian branch.”
He says the awards ceremony, which will be held in September or October each year, is meant to inspire, motivate, encourage, support and uplift local artistes.
The winners of the gospel awards are as follows, Liezel Booysen from Avontuur, Patiuz Davids from Haarlem, Dorelthea Moses from Misgund, Lorencia Paulse from Louterwater, Antionette Makoera from Krakeel and Simoné Abrahams from Joubertina.
Ward councillor, Jaques Esau, who attended the award ceremony at Uniondale Schulteheim Hotel in Avontuur, says the ceremony was a great success.
“I attended this programme with great joy. Our artistes need more support, especially those from rural areas. You did your best and from today greater things will come,” says Esau.
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