Mohalenyane Phakela
RAPPER OG S’Killz will headline tomorrow’s Open Studio Lesotho session at Pioneer Mall in Maseru.
The Style Sa magrootman hit-maker will be supported by Sadon, Meloh and Chino El Vito. There will also be an exhibition by two local visual artistes.
Open Studio Lesotho is a monthly arts platform which promotes, connects and supports artistes in order to build and boost the creative culture in Lesotho. The first edition was held last month and the organisers focused the spotlight on one artiste through an interview, photoshoot and performance that was supported by other local acts.
Speaking to the Weekender this week, Open Studio Lesotho’s Creative Director, Relebohile Manosa said that they came up with the idea of the open sessions after realising artistes lacked platforms to showcase their work.
“Our local arts sector does not get the attention that it deserves and sometimes you find exhibitors on the sidelines of the main event while the musicians are given a very short time to showcase their talents,” Manosa said.
“We came up with this initiative so that we could expose our artistes in a unique and qualitative way as we pick one artiste every month to put on the spotlight through interviews and photoshoots and then market them throughout the month while building up to their show at the end of that month.
“The shows are free of charge and Pioneer Mall has given us the platform to promote the arts without us paying them anything.”
Manosa said they encouraged collaborative work among artistes in order for them to grow together and faster. She also said that the monthly events were a build up to the main event in December.
“We hope to have a very big show in December as a recap for the monthly editions we would have held. When we interview the monthly headliners, we find out about their plans for the year and we will use that information to select the one to headline the main event in December,” she said.
