THE Limpopo Arts Movement (LAM) has new leadership.
The new members are chairperson Mphoza Mashabela, deputy chairperson Lion Gwangwa, general-secretary Hlulani Shikwambana, deputy general-secretary Pleasure Peta, general treasurer Martha Mashilo and provincial co-ordinator Malcom Makumawere.
They were elected on Thursday, 23 June at the Library Gardens in Polokwane.
Speaking on his re-election, Mphoza said: “I have served LAM with pride for the past five years. I feel honoured that LAM has agreed to give me another term.
“I fought for artists’ airplay and against unfair performance payment of artists by event promoters. I fought for artists to get the Covid-19 relief fund and led a revolution against the sidelining of Limpopo artists in government festivals.
“We also hosted artist training sessions with stakeholders such as the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) and South African Music Performance Rights Association (Sampra).
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“We have created the Limpopo Legends Awards (LILA) to honour our legends while they are still alive. Under my leadership, we created the LAM Burial Society to give our Limpopo artists dignified funerals.
“We would also like to thank all the media houses who continue to give us a platform in their spaces.”
Mphoza said his long-term goal is to see Limpopo artists gracing local and international stages.
“In this current term, I’d like to see more Limpopo artists getting bookings from local and international event organisers. I am happy with the progress we’ve made. I know we still have more talent waiting for exposure. For this reason, I will continue fighting for better performance fees. I’ll also continue to fight against the ills in the creative industry.”
“For example, the approach of ‘take it or leave it’ from music promoters is killing our industry and I will not allow it to happen under my watch,” he said.
He said he will also tackle the issue of airplay at the SABC.
“I feel our radio stations are still dominated by national and international artists. Tribalism is still a problem on the airwaves. Therefore, I will make sure local artists are given fair airplay, especially on our local radio stations,” said Mphoza.
“As LAM, we believe in our youth and their talents. Our goal is to support the up-and-coming artists and nature them.
“Lastly, our focus will be getting more sponsors for the Limpopo Legends Awards,”