The Role of Exercise and Success in the Music Business

Celebrities in the arts have very demanding lifestyles where they rarely enjoy the freedom of having weekends, holidays or free relaxation time. Even Brenda Fassie would complain to Chicco Twala that she is just too tired to do another gig. In order to keep her energy levels up, she resorted to drugs. Don't fall into the same trap!

Khabonina Qubeka (dancer & actress)

This is a condition that too many musicians end up succumbing themselves to before even reaching the age of 40. As you go through your 40s, it becomes increasingly harder to stay fit and perform at your best. Now that it is the festive season, remember that the healthy and fit version of yourself will be more successful and live longer than the unhealthy or drugged version of yourself in the long term.

Kabelo Mabalane (musician and fitness instructor)

Click here for a great article about fitness and easy exercising moves as an investment in your future! Remember, if you exercise for just 15 minutes every day, you will have more energy than if you don't.

Management and Musicians - Ignorance or Bliss?

On December 6, an article was published about the Parlotones in a bitter battle with their former manager Raphael Domalik. The band signed a contract where they would receive a salary and give up ownership of the music under that agreement. Many would say that this is a typical case of ignorant musicians who lack an understanding of the value of copyright.

Gareth Cliff said, "I don't care about copyright anymore. People have stolen my ideas but I'm not worried because my currency is based on good content." As it is difficult to generate a stable income in the music industry, it is understandable why the Parlotones opted for trading their music for a salary. Their manager took the risk of investing millions of rands in the band and the Parlotones didn't have to worry about breaking even and making a profit.

Now that the relationship is over and Khan is branching off into a solo project independently, He may have to split himself into an artist, an investor, marketer, business man and administrator. Domalik on the other hand has lost 80% of his revenue as Franie Kotze would say.

Being an artist and having the luxury of having a manager is bliss but ignorance could easily turn that experience into a loss on the part of an artist. It's great that musicians are beginning to manage themselves. However, without a credible team to drive value and success, it may be a lonely long road ahead for many budding creative industry entrepreneurs hoping to make a fortune and become legends.

3rd Africa Century International Writers Conference

On 7 November 2014, 6 top speakers and 22 South African Award Nominees celebrated  contributions made by Africans in the literature fraternity and the fight against colonisation.

The honorable Samia Yaba Nkrumah, executive director of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre and Chairperson of the Convention Peoples Party in Ghana delivered an inspiring talk about Africa's socio-cultural liberation. 

Considering that Dr Kwame Nkrumah created a blueprint for development in Africa, Dr Zagba Narth Oyortey, the programme director for the conference, advised that any individual that fails to love him/herself, will have limited success. Love of thyself also means love of thy people. It is thus important to make sure that when one embarks on a mission of writing about Africans, that there is no misrepresentation of the African identity. There are constant complaints about media broadcasting incorrect or fabricated facts. 

Morakabe Seakhoa, Managing Director of the Write Associates whose company organised this conference pleaded that, "We want you to write the scripts of our own development from an African perspective." Should you know anyone or organisation that would be interested in taking the Africa Century International Writers Conference and South African Literary Awards to the next level, kindly contact the Write Associates  for more information.

"People need to thoroughly understand racism as a concept in South Africa." Molaodi Wa Sekake, an audience member, commented. He said that currently there is a decolonised version of racism and the body plays a significant part in the enactment of this concept.

Some would wonder what relevance this has with music or IKS Consulting & Promotions. Whether you are in the music industry or no industry, these issues affect all human beings either directly or indirectly and to ignore them would be ignorant and surely to our detriment as a human race. In Dr Oyortey's words, "Our writers penned down the vision for liberation. Artists were at the forefront of that encouragement." Dr Kwame Nkrumah left no less than 15 books as a guideline for decolonisation. Dr Oyortey also added that by ignoring the blueprint created by Nkrumah, "We rob ourselves of reaping the benefits of such blueprints and policies." 

What cause are South African artists at the forefront of, nowadays? 

  

HAPPY WORLD TOILET DAY!

Today is a special day where some will celebrate World Toilet Day! If you are one of those privileged people who have access to adequate sanitation, do remember that there are people out there that are not enjoying the benefits of the human right to dignity.

There are communities that do not have access to toilets. They have long-drop toilets or are using bucket systems. It is unhygienic and can easily enable diseases to infest. With the video attached, we would like to encourage all human beings who are advantaged in this regard to appreciate what they have.

We would also like to encourage those capable of making a difference in the development of poor communities to continue doing so. We promise to do our part too.

What Do Usher, Van Morrison and James Brown Have in Common?

The fact that each of these renowned artists have worked with Uber-trombonist Fred Wesley. The distinguished jazz, blues and RnB musician who began his career playing for the legendary duo Ike and Tina Turner, is now poised to bring the Fred Wesley Quartet to the Wits Theatre on the 29th November, for a one-night only extravaganza.

The 380 people who are lucky enough to buy their tickets in time will be treated to the musical stylings of the man who spent 11 years as James Brown's primary composer and music director. The Fred Wesley Quartet includes Fred himself on trombone, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, Brian Cox on drums and Joel Johnson on guitar.

The National Arts Council of South Africa is pleased to be bringing over this veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra, whose star-studded list of collaborators includes Ray Charles, Pancho Sanchez, the SOS Band and Cameo. His work is so timeless that he has been sampled by such contemporary artists as Nas and Janet Jackson. 

With a career that spans more than 4 decades of working at the highest levels of the music scene, Johannesburg, prepare yourself for the South African debut of a musical icon and see for yourself what makes him one of the premier jazz aficionados in the world today.

BOOK NOW ON COMPUTICKET!

Contact Details

For event details, contact Lynne Pillay on lynnet@mweb.co.za or Ph: 021 674 9944

If you like jazz music, you'll Love this:-)

Annual Department of Trade and Industry Roadshow

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TOP 7 TIPS TO HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR MUSIC BUSINESS

If you couldn't attend the Breathe Sunshine Engage and Moshito Music Conferences this year, here's some information below that may assist you in your road to building a long career in the music industry. 

1. "Remember your audience. It's not about you and it's all about them," said Gareth Cliff.

Gareth then shared his thoughts on copyright infringement that he has long given up on being bitter about people stealing his ideas. What makes him continue to have a strong following is his authenticity. Innovation is key and musicians should think of themselves as content creators. If you create enough content that resonates with many people's hearts, you will be a recognized and respected leader.

2. "You have to have the hunger to learn and grow as a person and an artist," Amaru Da Costa from Black Coffee's Soulistic music management advised.

Amaru spoke as part of a panel of music managers and he is one of the most successful music managers in the industry working with Black Coffee who currently has 957 410 likes on facebook. One would expect arrogance from Amaru but he is so humble. An inflated ego and lack of professionalism are some of the things that deter many musicians from attracting more success in their lives. 

3. In order to improve your chances of getting airplay on radio stations, Nonala Tose from Umhlobo Wenene said that managers and musicians should develop relationships with station managers. She added that retail radio is not genre specific and that musicians should make sure that their music is registered with the Recording Industry of South Africa. 

4. "Make sure you go the music librarian and get your music documented," said Themba Shabalala from Jozi FM. 

Themba encouraged upcoming musicians to build relationships with community radio stations, as this is the easiest way to increase your popularity. The major radio stations are already overwhelmed with many musicians, managers and international record labels wanting their music to be played in high rotation. Never underestimate the power of community radio stations. 

5. Bob Mabena added that, "If there's talk around your brand, radio stations will find you and play your music."

This relates to tip 1 above in that one should use the internet to develop relationships with audiences directly. Instead of complaining about the negative impact of copyright infringement, use the benefits of technology and the internet to your advantage.

6. Thabiso Khati from 360% Street is convinced that the music industry is currently driven by small independent music labels. He calls and visits radio stations on a regular basis. 

He has built a reputation with them and his artists also have a massive following. As a result, when the radio station personnel see K.O's new release, they will play his music first. He says he "harasses" radio stations until they play his artists' music. Some may know Thabiso's artist K.O feat. Kid X whose song "caracara" topped the South African music charts for some time. Thabiso also advised that you should identify your key radio stations and focus your attention and effort on them.

7. "Understand the policies, mandates and programme you are targeting for your music to be played," Zandile Tembe advised. Zandile is well accomplished as the programmes  manager of Ukhozi FM. 

She was awarded Best Content Producer for Non Commercial Radio at the 2011 MTN Radio Awards for her work on Ukhozi FM's Vuka Mzansi breakfast show presented by Linda Sibiya.

The Joy of Jazz at the Sandton Convention Centre

On 25 September 2014, the Joy of Jazz treated it's VIPs with utter care. The line-up was exciting and the event was beautifully organised. If you want to learn about great hospitality and event management, ask for an internship at the Joy of Jazz.
Peter Tladi (T Music Man) welcomed the attendees, distinguished guests including Kgalema Motlanthe and Nathi Mthethwa. He thanked the Sandton Convention Centre for receiving the Joy of Jazz with open arms. He then commended Standard Bank and other sponsors for their support over the years, enabling the music festival to breathe life and happiness to people in Gauteng, South Africa.

The sound at the Dinaledi Stage was incredible when Ann Hampton Callaway and Dianne Reeves gave us electrifying performances. Unfortunately, when the Jazz Divas took the stage featuring Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Tutu Puoane and Melanie Scholtz, the sound became muffled. Perhaps they used a different sound engineer during this performance. Nothing could bring this performance down though, thanks to Sibongile Khumalo’s song titled “Thando’s Groove” with a flawless vocal section arrangement.

The Sandton Convention Centre is well on its way to being a world-class concert venue, although on 26 September, Billy Ocean’s performance at the Mbira Stage could have been more enjoyable if the acoustics were right. One assumes that an acoustics engineer may be consulted in the future to assist. Perhaps the Joy of Jazz could facilitate that process. I’m confident that the next 5 years will be bliss thanks to the Sandton Convention Centre’s partnership with the Joy of Jazz. 

Black Coffee, Euphonik, HHP, DJ Zinhle, The Parlotones'Khan Moorbee and the Presets @ Breathe Sunshine Engage

Black Coffee, Euphonik, HHP, DJ Zinhle and The Parlotones’ Khan Morbee join Australian electronic duo The Presets at music conference Breathe Sunshine Engage.

Founded by Black Mango. Partnered by Seed Experiences.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

On Friday 3 October, Jo’burg’s Market Theatre will see a host of local and international music industry heavyweights at Breathe Sunshine Engage (BSEngage), an inspiring one-day music conference. Aimed at anyone wanting to learn more about the industry, delegates will engage in topical panel discussions and stimulating ‘on-the-couch’ sessions focused on building the industry.

With limited tickets open to the public (R195 each), BSEngage promises to be an intimate, rewarding experience with something for everyone.

It’s rare to get up-close-and-personal with SA’s leading artists, so most of us are excited to hear opinions from Euphonik, HHP, DJ Zinhle, The Parlotones’ Khan Morbee and Black Coffee.

Of course, having international artists ‘on the couch’ has caused quite a buzz too, with Australian electronic due The Presets agreeing to pop over before their set at Vodacom In the City. This hugely popular act will share their insights on how to break out of small geographical territories, how they tour to other countries and what challenges they’ve faced.

Renowned international booking agents from the UK’s Coda Music Agency; Paul Buck and James Whitting will explain best practice for booking international artists for South African events. Coda looks after Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Bastille, Rudimental, Disclosure, The XX, The Vaccines, Bon Iver, John Newman, Jay Electronica, Jamie Woon, Faithless, Macy Grey, Mr Scruff and new teenage sensation Jake Bugg, just to name a few.

DJ’s and labels are most keen to hear Beatport’s Vice President of Music Services Terry Weerasinghe’s keynote address. Hailing from Berlin, Terry will chat about the boom in dance music worldwide and how Africa can tap into it.

SA’s very own Gareth Cliff will talk about the future of radio in South Africa and his experience launching his own online radio portal, CliffCentral.

In addition to the two keynote addresses, there will be two panel discussions: One on ‘The Management Vacuum in the African Music Industry’ and the other focusing on ‘Taking South African House Music Global’, which will be presented by Soul Candi.

Win a Digital Music Bursary
Soul Candi has taken their involvement one step further by offering up a fantastic prize. By buying a ticket to the conference, you could win a R26,000 bursary towards the Soul Candi Institute of Music’s “Digital Music Composition and Production” short learning programme in 2015, offered at selected Boston City Campus & Business Colleges.

Andre Le Roux, the MD of the SAMRO Foundation will open the conference and the following industry professionals will join the aforementioned artists on the panels: Sipho Sithole - Chairman of Moshito and founder of Native Rhythms (Zuluboy, The Soil), Graeme Gilfillan – Nisa Global Entertainment (PTY) Ltd, Zakes Bantwini - Head of A&R Sony, Greg Walsh - MD of G&G Productions, Raphael Benza - AKA Management, Refiloe Ramogase - Dreamteam Management, Franie Kotze - Clear Entertainment, Amaru Da Costa – Soulistic, Allan Nicoll - Soul Candi, Nomndeni Mdakhi - Edits Communications (Kalawa Jazzmee), DJ Clock - AM-PM Productions, Jullian Gomes, Kavir Magan – Pulse Radio…….and more.

Music fans based in Cape Town can catch Terry doing a Master Class at SAE Institute Cape Town as part of the newly launched Cape Town Music Week. Visit www.capetownmusicweek.com for updates and additional details.

Industry professionals heading to Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival (Europe’s largest music conference) in September can experience the Breathe Sunshine delegation hosting two panels on the African music industry and a showcase celebrating 20 years of democracy.

Tickets:

www.breathesunshineconference.com/engage-tickets
R195.00 - Full day ticket.
R595.00 - Combination ticket for Breathe Sunshine Engage and Vodacom In The City

Win a Soul Candi Digital Music Production Bursary with BSEngage:http://idmmag.com/competitions/win-soul-candi-music-production-bursary-bsengage/#sthash.r3ApCZRf.dpuf

Event Information:
Breathe Sunshine Engage: 09h00 to 17h30. Friday 3 October. The Market Theatre, Newtown, Johannesburg.
Event Info: www.breathesunshineconference.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreatheSunshine
Twitter: @BSunshineAfrica ‪#‎BSEngage‬

Moshito Music Conference VS the Showbiz, Entertainment & Arts Expo

On 5 September, the Moshito Music Conference celebrated 20 years of liberation through music at the SABC. Just a few days later, from 9-10 September, Newtown saw the launch of the first Showbiz, Entertainment and Arts Expo (SEA Expo) at Sci-Bono that is part of the Arts Alive programme. Could the events improve their market penetration if they collaborate and not seem like they are competing against each other although they are meant to be benefitting the same sector?

THE MOSHITO MUSIC CONFERENCE	THE SEA EXPO
The main auditorium with a seating capacity of 300 was about 65% full on the first day of the conference. Moshito could consult the SEA Expo about getting school kids to attend Moshito.	The Sci-Bono auditorium with a seating capacity of 269 was 100% full thanks to the school children who were brought in to attend the event.
As the attendants waited for Nathi Mthethwa, the Minister of Arts and Culture to arrive, Mandla Maseko, the programme director, charismatically danced for the audience to house music. Which businesses in the music industry benefitted from this year's Moshito?	On the second day of the conference, KB Motsilanyane (Award winning singer, actress and programme director for SEA Expo 2014) agreed to wear a stunning red “Freak ‘em” dress designed by one of the exhibitors at the conference. The dress looked so fabulous on KB that Yvonne Chaka Chaka asked the designer to make a dress for her that she would wear at a gig in New York.
Moshito could learn from attendants as to what music programming they want and what knowledge they need programmed in order to increase Moshito's popularity in the long run.	All attendants were given forms to advise the Expo as to how it can improve.
The program at Moshito was very good as it was about industry knowledge needed for independent musicians to grow their business.	The SEA Expo could include the Moshito programme in its programme in order to benefit those that don’t know about Moshito - especially youth who may be thinking about becoming entrepreneurs in the music industry. The same could be done by Moshito for the SEA Expo.

Music is part of the creative industries. A partnership between the two events could benefit the practitioners and new entrants as well. Most people who attended Moshito didn't even know that there was an SEA Expo a few days later. This is what politicians mean when they say that the creative industries need to speak with one voice.

12 Ways to Build Your Fanbase

“The most important thing for a new artist or band is to perfect their skills as musicians and singers, write great songs and learn the art of giving great live performances.” David Stopps

 

We understand that free time is a rare find and that there are books you would like to read in order to improve your career as an artist. We thought it would be good to simplify this important topic into 12 ways to build your fanbase retrieved from here.

1. Understand that all the communication with fans is about managing the experience they get with your persona.
2. Perform live as much as possible.
3. Invite audience members to comment on your performance on your facebook and/or twitter pages.
4. Create a database or mailing list, constantly update it and aim for higher numbers all the time. If you have 1000 fans, you have a good number to make a living from.
5. Respect and care for your fans.
6. Identify your hardcore fans and give them extra benefits because they make it their life's mission to spread the word about your music. They are invaluable.
7. Free music, interviews with the artist, audiovisual footage of the artist and podcasts should be a feature of the artist's website.
8. Let fans download your music for free on condition that they submit their contact details.
9. Use analytics on facebook and twitter to track where your fans are.
10. Let fans comment on 3 new tracks and ask them to rate them and make comments. This makes them feel like they are part of your community.
11. Send your music to genre specific media and blogs and run remix competitions. Prizes could be sitting at the side of the stage at the live show or attending an after-party. Some artists run competitions wherein fans submit artwork for the next EP or album cover.
12. If you are unable to invest all the energy, thought and time into updating your online communication, employ someone who will do it on a daily basis in a way that is compatible with the artist.

Trackvertising, Oprah Winfrey and Women in Gospel Music

"Any gospel music fan is aware of the critical connection between the music and the diverse yet shared tradition of Christian commitment and liturgical sensibility known as the "black religious tradition". Melinda Weeks, 2009 retrieved from here

This statement is debatable of course. If it is true that the Christian faith has and continues to use music to promote Jesus and Christianity for the black community in particular, then it would be fitting to argue that trackvertising  has been practiced by Christians since the invention of the music video and gospel song. 

In this video, Oprah shows how American superstars testify and go back to their gospel roots:

Shakira's "La la la" music video has become synonymous with the term "trackvertising", the combining of music tracks and advertising. According to Gunn/Jerkens Marketing Communications in their post entitled Trackvertising, "The difficult part is making sure that these ads resonate with consumers online." Gospel music has certainly resonated with many new born-again Christians online and offline. There really is nothing new under the sun. 

Music is the Last Thing We Think About

It has become a norm in the South African music industry that when event management companies, TV production companies or advertising agencies go about producing projects involving music, the last item to be checked on their list, is the music. I suppose when music is considered as entertainment, it becomes the icing on the cake and nothing much more. This is a dangerous habit as there is the rise of "trackvertising" (a topic for another day).

The Guerilla Marketing Field Guide would advise that, "TV Production costs are lowered still if you produce your soundtrack first. Once you have it, you can shoot footage to match the amount of time the words and music take. (For instance) Shooting sound and picture at the same time means that if a plane flies overhead or a motorcyle zooms by, you need to reshoot." Jay Conrad Levinson and Jeannie Levinson (2013, p. 109). Similarly, if one is organising a big event, it helps to speak to music producers who can conceptualize the entertainment with you and assist you with technical riders in order to avoid last minute arrangements that will lead to sleepless nights before the event. It helps to have a cut-off time for technical riders in order to organise what is required without having to pay extra from suppliers simply because it is ordered at the last minute.

The underlying principle is that being as organised as much as possible way before deadlines saves you from loads of time, money wasted and unnecessary stress. 

Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Producer

Any musician, advertising agency, film and/or TV production company can guarantee that working with a music producer who has your best interest at heart is what you need to get desirable results beyond measure. "The giant console, high ceilings and glass windows mean nothing. Those things don't make great records. A talented person (music producer) with good ideas for your music does." The 10 Do's and Don'ts of Recording Your Music retrieved from here

Other reasons why one should consider using a music producer are:

1. A Producer can be impartial and objective about your music

2. A Producer has a larger network in the music industry than you

3. A Producer will work hard to make sure your record, musical bed or sting is a great one in order to protect their name as it will be attached to yours

4. Music Producers manage full plates as they juggle licensing, adaptations and original content for a wide array of media users

5. When you don't have a clear vision of what the end product will be, it helps to have 1 song produced in 3 different styles to help you make the best choice

So, next time you consider producing your own album or just using an existing song without adaptations, think about the above.

References

Commercial Music by Tom Flint. 2007

5 Reasons why you need a Producer by Newrock Star Philosophy. 2014

The Emotional Space Between Brands, Music and Consumers

Getting a music production company that understands the intricate relationship between your brand and consumers is a rare find. It is easier to give someone a contract for music production services based on political reasons. However, "The leading global brands understand that music is a critical part of the customer experience and are using the medium to achieve...customer relationships built on lifestyle fit and genuine engagements that drive long term value..." Brands, Consumers and the Sound Between, retrieved from here.

There are ways in which one can tell when a music producer doesn't understand numerous South African communities. It is easy to have a song bank that you can use to adapt any script or lyric into song. However, one has to respect the language use and its natural inflections. "You can subtly change the meaning of your lyric by moving the naturally accented words to other words. For example, "THAT'S my way of showing I care" is not exactly the same as "That's My way of showing I care". The Essential Secrets of Songwriting retrieved from here.

So, when last did you come across a producer who doesn't respect your language?

Why musicians should manage themselves

We are now living in the information age. Some call it the age of Aquarius. It is an age where the playing field is increasingly becoming flat. Small businesses have the same tools and access to valuable information as large businesses do, thanks to software and hardware technology. However, the South African music industry is filled with musicians who are still depending on music management and multinational record labels to build their music career.

They wait for the kind of management who will spend money promoting them, introduce them to influential people in the industry, get them gigs, get them recording deals, manage their diaries, their money, their public relations and personal discipline. WHY?

IFANI (self-managed South African Hip hop Star)

Christopher writes for Music Biz Academy.com and advises, "Musician…Educate Thyself!...Naive or mis-informed musicians are a menace to themselves. Enough already!” Knab, C. (2010). 10 Essential Tips for Making a Living with Your Music, retrieved from here. 

"Many great artists, like Roberta Flack (and Ifani), have managed themselves, quite successfully; thank you." Hodge, C. When (And How) a Singer/Songwriter Should Manage Themselves, retrieved from here.

David Stopps has vast international experience as a music manager, event promoter and entrepreneur with over 40 years' experience in dealing with copyright and music monetization issues. He even reveals standard payments one can expect from different revenue streams. Click here

Social Investment

From 2011 to 2013, we organised live music showcases in order to promote our associate musicians. This improved their visibility in the industry and led to increased work opportunities.

This year, I am investigating the relationship between AbaThembu, the inception of the ANC and Christianity. If you would like to assist, we would appreciate an e-mail from you and of course, you would be credited accordingly. Thanks in advance.

FYI: For a FREE mbira lesson, click here

Is Your Child Being Brainwashed by Imperialists?

We all want our kids to grow up being perfectly balanced people who are capable of reaching their full potential. We want our children to have the confidence to realise their dreams. We want them to be creative, intelligent and optimistic about life. We want what's best for them yet as parents, we do not always have the luxury of controlling every influence from music or multi-media that children are subjected to.

In the "Song of Success and Other Poems for Children", Ikeogu Oke writes about time in The Watchman. In this poem, the Watchman loses sleep so that we can have ours. At times, while we are sleeping, our kids are watching television and because they are watching cartoons, we think and hope that their minds are safe.

He teaches one to value the gifts offered to us for free by nature in, "Salute to our Palm Trees". As resourceful as nature is, to what extent are we aware, care for and protect her from abuse?

Fresh wine foams in grandpa's cup
It is thanks to our palm trees!

There's sheltering thatch above their hut
It is thanks to them!

There's oil in grandma's soup
It is thanks to our palm trees

There's sponge to scrub their dishes clean
It is thanks to them!

There's soap to wash their clothes clean
It is thanks to our palm trees

There's also a broom to sweep their home
It is thanks to them!

Where are the children's songs that sensitize and educate us about this lest we forget? Oke's book has a sing-along CD attached to it. Takalani Sesame, on the other hand, has embarked on an important mission to provide songs in 5 South African languages linked to each episode in order to heighten the emotional relevance of educational objectives. What have you personally documented or keep as your own evidence of your cultural history? How often do you share this with your children?

If one wants to promote the idea of leadership to women and girls, the poem about the Great Queen who was a warrior and fought a 1000 battles, won in all but two is one that would motivate any girl child to be confident and strong enough to face her male counterparts where necessary. However, how many people know about the Song of Success and Other Poems for Children or other children's literature written by Africans? What are you doing to expose your children to this knowledge if you think it is important?

One reads such poems and stories, and searches for more cartoons that depict this without imposing any racial class stereotypes. One searches for more children's television programs or movies that encourage cultural diversity and indeed educate children about virtuosity and their history. Takalani Sesame and writers such as Ikeogu Oke must be praised for leading the way in producing the kind of content that is qualitative, memorable, educational and entertaining for children and child-like adults.

Click here to read the article that inspired this post