ARTISTS NEED PRESS KITS THAT ENGAGE MARKETS

EZULWINI - Packaging yourself is part of the art. Artists in Eswatini were treated to a workshop that is set to take place over two days where they are educated on the importance of having electronic press kits.

The workshop took place yesterday at the Mahlelukhukhwini House, in Ezulwini.
The artists who attended the information session included Eswatini Afro-soul musician Popzin, Thobile Makoyane, house music DJ Mistosoul, RnB/Pop singer Zoe Genesis, Mandisa Mamba, Afro-Jazz/ Afro-Pop artist Nomsa M, saxophonist Zwile Bhembe, Bheki Nhleko from Tindzaba Temdzabu as well as DJ and music producer Purcell.

Also there was MTN SWAMA President Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, MTN Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong, who welcomed the artists to the workshop and also shared the many music platforms the MTN brand was participating in. 
On the first day of the workshop, seasoned event producer, artist manager and promoter, Jess White from Akum Agency shared his experience working with successful artists under his guidance.

With years of experience, White shared valuable insights on how to successfully package captivating press kits.
Artists were equipped with useful skills, such as how to draft appealing biographies, how to use social media as a tool to promote their music, and how they could approach music festivals, managers and music labels.

In the sessions, he revealed that electronic press kits were never complete without professional photography, however, he also stated that artists should not stretch themselves by outsourcing photographers with the expensive equipment because with latest technology, smartphones were able to do the same.
“A detailed electronic press kit is one of the best chances to make an impact on industry professionals, the media and fans,” revealed White.
He also shared that artists needed to put themselves wholly into the process of creating their press kits and writing their biographies.

Engaging

“It is imperative to describe and put in as much engaging details about your background, highlights as well as include testimonials from fans, festival organisers,” he added.
White also said that the biographies in the electronic press kits needed to be in third person narrative, meaning that artists must write as if the biographies were being written by someone else and not them.

He also urged artists to sell their music uniquely in the press kits by adding emotions and stories.
Impressive statistics such as plays, awards and position on charts would make an artist attractive for festivals.
In empowering the invited artists who came for the workshop, one of Eswatini’s talented photographers, Shaun DeSousa, was available to take high-quality pictures of each artist during a photoshoot session on the day.

This was to ensure that artists would leave the workshop with a comprehensive, professional press kit.
In a previous statement, MTN BUSHFIRE Communications Officer Phiwokuhle Dlamini said; “Although the workshop will only accommodate a select number of Eswatini artists who have already been engaged, MTN Bushfire will be sharing information packages with local artists who applied during the artist application process which was open from August 1 to October 31, 2019.

Valuable

“The info pack will contain all the valuable information shared by Jess White and will serve as a valuable tool for artists looking to successfully assemble their own electronic press kits.”
She further urged local artists to also look out for the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table workshop which takes place annually on the Friday of the MTN Bushfire Festival.
This is yet another one of the important sessions White highlighted to be an important way for artists to empower themselves.

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