Naak Musiq advises local musicians
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday April 9, 2015 14:41
It is commonplace that South African acts share the spotlight with local artists, and even headline most live performances in the country. But it is almost unheard of for Botswana artists to command the same level of respect and pull in the southerly neighbour, let alone headline a show there.
Naak Musiq, who is one of the South African artists who enjoy such attention, has been a regular act on a number of live shows in the country.
Showbiz picks his brain to find out why and how local artists can excel.
After his performance at Summer Explosion over the Easter weekend, Naak Musiq – born Anga Makubalo – says the only way that one can break into the international scene is working on material that has wide appeal.
“If you make music do not only make it for people in your hood.
Make it for everyone so that you can get a wide audience,” says the former Generations actor. He further says artists should learn to accept constructive criticism in order to grow their craft.
“Critics will tell you where you are wrong and how you can correct your mistakes,” he says. The Xhosa-speaking artist who started off working with Eltonik in his early days has worked with a number of music heavyweights in the South African such as Big Nuz, DJ Sbu and Heavy K.
The musician said the main thing that can help a musician develop is practicing to mould their talents. “If you work on your craft someone will definitely discover your work. Do not give up thinking that it is all over,” he says.
He further advices local musicians to take music administration related courses.
Naak Musiq revealed that he is planning on working with a number of local artists on some music projects. “At the moment I cannot reveal names, but I am working on a few projects with Botswana artists,” he says.
However, certain local artists such as Drama Boi and Ozi F Teddy disagree with Naak Musiq’s comments. “I don’t think they are stealing the show. I believe everyone is putting in work and doing their best. It’s a win-win situation. Some international artists rock and some local artists rock,” says Drama Boi.
The Candy rapper further says it is just a myth that international artists are better off or work harder than local artists. He believes that local artists are on the same level as international acts.
He, however, advises certain promoters to change the way they operate.
Rapper Ozi F Teddy was also quick to dismiss the belief that international acts have overshadowed local acts. Previously, local MC Apollo Diablo had expressed disappointment at the growing support for international acts.
He had said that this is overshadowing local acts. The rapper posted on Facebook recently, where he stated his complaints on how local artists are loosing significance in the country.