SA Artist’s Experiences Focus of Master’s Study

SA Artist’s Experiences Focus of Master’s Study

South Africa’s Indie music scene takes centre stage in Ms Tsholofelo Mapisa’s master’s study as she delves into the nuances of her debut album, Becoming employing an autoethnographic approach.

Mapisa explores various facets, including the creative process, writing, recording, and independent promotion of her album. Her journey with Becoming acted as a catalyst, igniting her in-depth exploration of the South African independent music landscape.

‘Although I had to devote a lot of time and effort to honing my musical abilities, I discovered that once I had finished recording my debut album, I needed more marketing know-how and understanding to interact successfully with South Africa’s independent music scene,’ she said.

Mapisa believes that open discussions during her study between herself and other artists about the South African independent music industry will benefit society, especially creative entrepreneurs and that being open about similar trials can lead to solutions, empowerment, and upliftment, because ‘strength comes from numbers’.

She revealed facing some challenges in obtaining sufficient literature on the independent music scene in South Africa, as there is a lack of documented information. However, her work is interpretative and subjective, focusing on her own experiences and those of other musicians. Consequently, there are no fixed answers or solutions to the issues mentioned but that was never the aim of her research.

The aim was to engage in meaningful conversation regarding the SA Indie music industry so that potential resolution to some of the dilemmas musicians face may be found.

Mapisa recalled that some of her highlights were the interviews she would conduct. ‘Hearing from industry peers and people you look up to does inform the way you view certain things. It was also able to show me that some of the problems I faced were not unique to me,’ she added.

Speaking of her support system throughout her career, she said: ‘My family, friends, and my supervisor, Dr Kathryn Olsen, were really very reassuring and helpful to me. They kept me going and kept me accountable at times when I felt like throwing in the towel. This victory is theirs as much as it is mine.’

She offered words of encouragement to her peers, urging them to never give up. ‘Despite feeling like things could be better, even when tired, don’t give up. Remember, you did not come this far just to come this far… you did not come this far in vain; finish strong.’

Mapisa has actively been working on music and potential collaborations, including a recent collaboration with house duo Lemon & Herb titled: Njenge Nkanyezi. Furthermore, she continues to work on new music following up from her most recent single, Past Two Years.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini