Mahikeng- KWAITO legend, Arthur Mafokate said that he will continue to visit provinces and unearth new music talent.

Mafokate said this at SABC Buildings in Mahikeng where he came with artists from his stable, 999. Mafokate said he was on tour after a partnership with SABC.

“We have visited other provinces as well and our objective was to re-launch 999 stable. The landscape of music has changed. South African music is well received across the world. We have new artists and the demand we get from our fans is amazing.

“Last time I released an album was back in 2011. It has been four year break, now is the time for to give people what they want. We have various relatively new artists like Busisiwe Thwala aka Cici, Afrikan Roots. I have been spending my time concentrating on other businesses. But people demands are high. We fought the battles for the next generations. We have paved the way for them hence the music industry is not just a habit,” he said.

Mafokate added that artists must make sure they equipped themselves with education as there were many things that needed to be dealt with like contracts issues, branding and image building.

“Artists need to be innovative. They must study and understand their market. We also conduct workshops for artists. Even if the artists are not signed under 999 stable, we will help them with marketing, networking and branding. Determination and dedication will always come in handy for many artists,” Mafokate said.

He added that 999 had a compilation of all artists and produced an album called Summer Ya Di Summer.

Mafokate featured Afro-pop singer, Kelly Khumalo on his single called Nguwe Lo.

He said the compilation came about after they’ve partnered with SABC.

New talent who has been signed under 999 stable, Afro-soul singer, Cici as Busisiwe Thwala is affectionately known in the music industry said: “It has been 13 years of struggle trying to break into music industry. It is very difficult for women to break into the industry without being tried to be used as sex objects. I am very grateful to be part of 999 because Arthur Mafokate gave a platform me.  

  “Mafokate allows artists to embrace and be creative in their own way. He does not dictate what the artist sings or not. He is a very amazing person. I have dropped a single called Run Away. It is receiving a lot of airplay on various radio stations. I also appreciated the support I received from my parents even though it was tough. The parents need to support their children on whatever craft they embarking on. To all young girls out there, please make sure you backup yourself with education because independency is what we need,” Cici said.

-TDN

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