Glynis O’Hara
In a bid to boost the local music industry, the Irish and South African governments have joined forces in helping the South African Roadies Association (Sara) get a three-month training course off the ground – apparently the first of its kind in the country.
A report compiled by the Irish Agency for Personnel Services Overseas, Apso, last year noted an under-development of facilities, an almost total absence of education and training, a dearth of technological expertise, very few indigenous music publishing companies, a very small indigenous recording industry and the squandering of export potential.
It also noted that unit sales had almost doubled in value from 1992 to 1995 (from R287,7-million to R504,5-million, or from 11,8-million units to 18-million units).
Clearly, despite problems, music is a burgeoning industry.
And basic to that growth is the availability of experienced technical personnel, said Keith Donald, the author of the report.
Hence Apso’s return with the course.
Like the Music Industry Development Initiative (Midi) seminars held recently, Apso stressed that “at the decision-making level there is minimal recognition of the potential importance of the South African music industry in terms of employment, export income, national identity and cultural tourism”.
Apso is working with the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology on the “Live sound and stage production course”.
The course is running with 30 students at Mega Music, with stage equipment company Gearhouse, under Irish teacher Terry Irwin. Sound company Prosound is also helping out.