BASA Podcast

Join BASA Programmes Manager Zanele Madiba, creative entrepreneurs Jefferson Bobs Tshabalala, and Mathabo Tlali as they delve into "The Business in the Arts – More Than Just a 'Side Hustle.'” This podcast explores the intersection of business acumen and artistic expression, unpacking the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within the arts industry. From entrepreneurial strategies to sustainable practices, we reveal what it takes to thrive as a creative entrepreneur in today's landscape.

Artivism – How artists are using their creativity and artistic practices as a tool for activism. In this conversation Bridget Masinga is joined by young creatives Amogelang Pila, Boitumelo Makousu alongside the Exhibitions and Events coordinator Lesole Tauatswale from Constitution Hill exploring the intersection of art and activism and the role of artists in creating social change through their art. In honour of Freedom Day, the conversation explores the concept of freedom of expression in the creative sector as they unpack the exhibition titled O M A N G? O T S W A K A E? O Y A K A E? Hosted by the Constitution Hill.

Young Rural & Creative seeks to explore and diagnose the journey of young rural-based creatives pre- and post-the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation aims to explore, reflect, and propose interventions foreasing the burden on rural-based creatives to enable them to maximise their talent. The podcast seeks to achieve this through a variety show model, also known as variety arts or variety entertainment, comprised of various acts, including musical performances, poetry, and dialogue with rural-based creatives.

Beyond the Rut – dives into a conversation with emerging artists Evaan Jason and Lithemba Nziweni about cultivating a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as a creative in the Eastern Cape. They speak about creativity, trends, tools, authenticity, entrepreneurship, where to begin, and how to create something worthwhile.

Hosted by  Mzwakhe Khachela and Jane Mpholo, The theme in focus is ‘Theatre Then VS Now.' The overall burning question of the discussion is "What led to Free State artists being more resistant to collaborative opportunities?” The guests are legendary Gerben Kamper and the fresh, innovative Karabelo Lekalake: Two different generations with totally different experiences.

A conversation on disruptive technologies and art disciplines in this emerging field within the South African creative economy (recorded online in 3 different cities in South Africa over Zoom); this podcast acts as a window into the mindsets of practitioners who work within these disruptive creative practices. The discussion focuses on the messaging and themes of these practitioners' work, through their own personal experience and practice, whilst serving as examples of how those in the South African Creative and Cultural Industries can actively participate in this field and find new ways in forging their own path.

In this episode, we take a look at the longstanding impact that Standard Bank has had on the creative industry with its continued support of new and established artists over the years. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Standard Bank Gallery is re-opening in person with its first multidisciplinary exhibition 'WE ARE CULTURE' featuring a wave of new voices in fashion, music, sculpture, performance art, and more. In order to shed some light on this exciting new chapter for the gallery, Samm Marshall chats with Standard Bank Gallery Manager, Dr. Same Mdluli, and independent folk singer and songwriter, Muneyi.

In this episode, we take a look at the longstanding impact that Standard Bank has had on the creative industry with its continued support of new and established artists over the years. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Standard Bank Gallery is re-opening in person with its first multidisciplinary exhibition 'WE ARE CULTURE' featuring a wave of new voices in fashion, music, sculpture, performance art, and more. In order to shed some light on this exciting new chapter for the gallery, Samm Marshall chats with Standard Bank Gallery Manager, Dr. Same Mdluli, and independent folk singer and songwriter, Muneyi.

The real reward in recognition What it means to win a BASA Award? To be seen, heard, and ultimately understood. To stand before a group of like-minded contemporaries and accept their accolade is a universal desire. BASA podcast host Samm Marshall speaks to BASA Head of Research Madeleine Lambert,BASA Award recipients Nadia Virasamy from Moving Into Dance and Mariapaola McGurk from the Coloured Cube about winning a BASA Award and working with business to develop creative expression,Together they will dissect both the implicit and explicit value of being judged by a jury of one's peers and where the advantages lie.

The real reward in recognition What it means to win a BASA Award? To be seen, heard, and ultimately understood. To stand before a group of like-minded contemporaries and accept their accolade is a universal desire. BASA podcast host Samm Marshall speaks to BASA Head of Research Madeleine Lambert,BASA Award recipients Nadia Virasamy from Moving Into Dance and Mariapaola McGurk from the Coloured Cube about winning a BASA Award and working with business to develop creative expression,Together they will dissect both the implicit and explicit value of being judged by a jury of one's peers and where the advantages lie.

Harnessing creativity - What is the formula for creating work that fuses culture, creativity, and commercial objectives? Discussions with businesses who are working with creatives As we are poised to recognise the 2021/2022 BASA Award recipients, we speak to past Awards adjudication panellists to understand how each successive Awards show gained a keen understanding through a review of the previous year's ceremony.

Harnessing creativity - What is the formula for creating work that fuses culture, creativity, and commercial objectives? Discussions with businesses who are working with creatives As we are poised to recognise the 2021/2022 BASA Award recipients, we speak to past Awards adjudication panellists to understand how each successive Awards show gained a keen understanding through a review of the previous year's ceremony.

In today's podcast episode, TV personality and Metro FM radio host, Rorisang Thandekiso is joined by BASA current Chair Zinggisa Motlaba, former Chair, Charmaine Soobramoney, and former Deputy Chair Mandie van der Spuy as they delve into BASA's legacy, its bold programme marking this year as a milestone -- and to peek into what the future potentially holds for the organisation, its stakeholders, and the creative sector as a whole.

In today's podcast episode, TV personality and Metro FM radio host, Rorisang Thandekiso is joined by BASA current Chair Zinggisa Motlaba, former Chair, Charmaine Soobramoney, and former Deputy Chair Mandie van der Spuy as they delve into BASA's legacy, its bold programme marking this year as a milestone -- and to peek into what the future potentially holds for the organisation, its stakeholders, and the creative sector as a whole.

BASA Deputy Chair, Mandie van der Spuy is joined by Kojo Baffoe (author, poet, and media consultant) and Jefferson Tshabalala (Kiri Pink Knob and Ubdope Shishini), to look at different ways of thinking about financial sustainability within the Creative and Cultural Industries.

BASA Deputy Chair, Mandie van der Spuy is joined by Kojo Baffoe (author, poet, and media consultant) and Jefferson Tshabalala (Kiri Pink Knob and Ubdope Shishini), to look at different ways of thinking about financial sustainability within the Creative and Cultural Industries.

BASA Deputy Chair, Mandie van der Spuy, Kathy Berman (Impact Space), and Lakin Morgan-Baatjies (UJ Arts + Culture) explore how the roles of creatives and marketers aren't always separate; both are part of the value chain, unique and different, but still connected in touching the hearts of consumers. This conversation looked at the ways in which these two seemingly disparate groups can find synergy.

BASA Deputy Chair, Mandie van der Spuy, Kathy Berman (Impact Space), and Lakin Morgan-Baatjies (UJ Arts + Culture) explore how the roles of creatives and marketers aren't always separate; both are part of the value chain, unique and different, but still connected in touching the hearts of consumers. This conversation looked at the ways in which these two seemingly disparate groups can find synergy.

The Debut Online Podcast Part 2 takes place against the backdrop of Debut Online, an event that will present 180 Debut Programme participants taking their products to market and debuting their websites to existing and new market segments online. Following on from our first podcast, we continue the discourse of what it means to work with participants from rural and peri-urban in the Debut Programme, specifically how this engagement has highlighted the digital inequalities that exist in the sector. BASA Head of Programmes Tumy Motsoatsoe is once again joined by Jane Mpholo (renowned Free State artist, Co-director at Vukallective and former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador); Rucera Seethal (Creative Director for the National Arts Festival), and Msimeki Nkatingi (newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.)

The Debut Online Podcast Part 2 takes place against the backdrop of Debut Online, an event that will present 180 Debut Programme participants taking their products to market and debuting their websites to existing and new market segments online. Following on from our first podcast, we continue the discourse of what it means to work with participants from rural and peri-urban in the Debut Programme, specifically how this engagement has highlighted the digital inequalities that exist in the sector. BASA Head of Programmes Tumy Motsoatsoe is once again joined by Jane Mpholo (renowned Free State artist, Co-director at Vukallective and former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador); Rucera Seethal (Creative Director for the National Arts Festival), and Msimeki Nkatingi (newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.)

Due to the pandemic, the world is moving online at an accelerated pace but in its haste there are some communities in the creative sector that are battling to access the space and keep up the pace. Boitumelo “Tumy” Mostsoatsoe discusses dismantling digital inequalities with Jane Mpholo, Free State Renowned Artist, Co-director at Vukallective & Former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador; Rucera Seethal the Creative Director for the National Arts Festival; Msimeki Nkatingi, newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.; and Mimi Mashinini, law graduate and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Digify Africa.

Due to the pandemic, the world is moving online at an accelerated pace but in its haste there are some communities in the creative sector that are battling to access the space and keep up the pace. Boitumelo “Tumy” Mostsoatsoe discusses dismantling digital inequalities with Jane Mpholo, Free State Renowned Artist, Co-director at Vukallective & Former Debut Programme Provincial Liaison/Ambassador; Rucera Seethal the Creative Director for the National Arts Festival; Msimeki Nkatingi, newly appointed BASA Board Member and founder of Min Creative Co.; and Mimi Mashinini, law graduate and Strategic Partnerships Manager at Digify Africa.

In this episode we look at the value of the arts and creativity to the economy, how small creative enterprises can contribute to economic growth, where collaboration and partnership can come into play and elevate all parties concerned and look at what the arts sector needs right now. All these questions are answered in this latest episode under the theme RISE: More than a Side-Hustle, the vital role of arts businesses. To help unpack the theme, Samm Marshall is joined by CEO of the Craft and Design Institute group Erica Elk, 24th Annual BASA Awards trophy commissioned Duo, Andile Dyalvane and partner Zizpho Poswa from Imiso Ceramics based in Cape Town.

In this episode we look at the value of the arts and creativity to the economy, how small creative enterprises can contribute to economic growth, where collaboration and partnership can come into play and elevate all parties concerned and look at what the arts sector needs right now. All these questions are answered in this latest episode under the theme RISE: More than a Side-Hustle, the vital role of arts businesses. To help unpack the theme, Samm Marshall is joined by CEO of the Craft and Design Institute group Erica Elk, 24th Annual BASA Awards trophy commissioned Duo, Andile Dyalvane and partner Zizpho Poswa from Imiso Ceramics based in Cape Town.

The pandemic has forced the arts sector to think deeply about ‘what's next'. How will the arts reboot and RISE again? How can we work in partnership to truly value and recognise the huge potential of the creative economy. In the latest BASA Awards podcast episode, Host Samm Marshall sits down with sculptor, poet, writer, and academic Professor Pitika Ntuli, cultural administrator Dr Ismail Mahomed, actress and director Buhle Ngaba and BASA Head of Programmes, Boitumelo 'Tumy' Motsoatsoe to unpack the theme Rise: Rebooting the Arts sector.

The pandemic has forced the arts sector to think deeply about ‘what's next'. How will the arts reboot and RISE again? How can we work in partnership to truly value and recognise the huge potential of the creative economy. In the latest BASA Awards podcast episode, Host Samm Marshall sits down with sculptor, poet, writer, and academic Professor Pitika Ntuli, cultural administrator Dr Ismail Mahomed, actress and director Buhle Ngaba and BASA Head of Programmes, Boitumelo 'Tumy' Motsoatsoe to unpack the theme Rise: Rebooting the Arts sector.

In this special Women's Day edition of the BASA Podcast, we're putting the spotlight on the BASA Awards and conversations surrounding this year's them RISE. Womxn Rising brings together four fabulous women who have careers in the creative sector and business to talk about where women find themselves now and what is ahead as we take stock of the impact of the pandemic. How will we RISE? We asked children and women's rights activist, television producer and businesswoman Carol Bouwer, Hollard's Chief Marketing Officer Heidi Brauer, BASA Awards Chairperson, Khanyi Mamba and award-winning musician Thandi Ntuli.

In this special Women's Day edition of the BASA Podcast, we're putting the spotlight on the BASA Awards and conversations surrounding this year's them RISE. Womxn Rising brings together four fabulous women who have careers in the creative sector and business to talk about where women find themselves now and what is ahead as we take stock of the impact of the pandemic. How will we RISE? We asked children and women's rights activist, television producer and businesswoman Carol Bouwer, Hollard's Chief Marketing Officer Heidi Brauer, BASA Awards Chairperson, Khanyi Mamba and award-winning musician Thandi Ntuli.

This episode of the ASSEMBLY podcast series sees BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien facilitating a Q&A with Dr Andrea Rurale (from Milan, Italy), on the social impact of the arts, the degree to which the creative sector and cultural institutions have (or have not) been agile, responsive or resilient, in terms of COVID-19 challenges, and the future of the creative economy at this point in time.

This episode of the ASSEMBLY podcast series sees BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien facilitating a Q&A with Dr Andrea Rurale (from Milan, Italy), on the social impact of the arts, the degree to which the creative sector and cultural institutions have (or have not) been agile, responsive or resilient, in terms of COVID-19 challenges, and the future of the creative economy at this point in time.

This conversation explores various IP issues ranging from what creatives' rights are, how to protect these rights and stop exploitation, how to earn from your IP (which could link to e-commerce, apps, etc. as well) - particularly from a digital perspective in light of 4IR and COVID's pivot to digital platforms. BASA Chairman Charmaine Soobramoney is joined by Unathi Malunga from the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) and Elroy Bell from the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO).

This conversation explores various IP issues ranging from what creatives' rights are, how to protect these rights and stop exploitation, how to earn from your IP (which could link to e-commerce, apps, etc. as well) - particularly from a digital perspective in light of 4IR and COVID's pivot to digital platforms. BASA Chairman Charmaine Soobramoney is joined by Unathi Malunga from the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) and Elroy Bell from the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO).

Anchored by insights from the launch of ArtsTrack no.9, this conversation frames findings of the inaugural edition of ASSEMBLY partnered by the British Council to unpack the content and data shared in more detail and discuss how brands use (or could use) the research to inform their partnership strategies. Join hosts Charmaine Soobramoney and Mandie van der Spuy with guests Madeleine Lambert (BASA Head of Research) and the British Council (Grace Meadows).

Anchored by insights from the launch of ArtsTrack no.9, this conversation frames findings of the inaugural edition of ASSEMBLY partnered by the British Council to unpack the content and data shared in more detail and discuss how brands use (or could use) the research to inform their partnership strategies. Join hosts Charmaine Soobramoney and Mandie van der Spuy with guests Madeleine Lambert (BASA Head of Research) and the British Council (Grace Meadows).

In partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), Absa officially opened applications for the 2021 Absa L'Atelier art competition, inviting young artists from across the continent to enter. Since its inception 35 years ago, the Absa L'Atelier has showcased and continues to invest in some of the finest young artists from the 12 African countries where Absa has a presence. To celebrate this milestone, join Samm Marshall as he speaks to Absa Art and Museum Curator, Dr Paul Bayliss. Paul, who manages the Absa's art collection of approximately 18 000 artworks, is also joined by Professor Runette Kruger Head of the Department of Fine and Studio Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Phoka Nyokong (who walked away with the esteemed Absa L'Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, which is awarded to the most promising emerging South African artist).

In partnership with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA), Absa officially opened applications for the 2021 Absa L'Atelier art competition, inviting young artists from across the continent to enter. Since its inception 35 years ago, the Absa L'Atelier has showcased and continues to invest in some of the finest young artists from the 12 African countries where Absa has a presence. To celebrate this milestone, join Samm Marshall as he speaks to Absa Art and Museum Curator, Dr Paul Bayliss. Paul, who manages the Absa's art collection of approximately 18 000 artworks, is also joined by Professor Runette Kruger Head of the Department of Fine and Studio Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Phoka Nyokong (who walked away with the esteemed Absa L'Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, which is awarded to the most promising emerging South African artist).

In our latest BASA Awards' podcast, Samm Marshall speaks to BASA Board Chairman Charmaine Soobramoney and Nikki Belford, Group Sponsorship and Industry Relationships Manager at Hollard Insurance. In their conversation, they speak both generally about their personal approach to leadership, as well as how this applies to the local, South African milieu. Ultimately, amplifying freedom of thought and skills application will invariably yield a complement of colleagues wholly committed to the business and its values and goals. The conversation also focused on our current challenges, both as a result of local drawbacks and the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this has urged leaders to adjust their tried-and-tested methods of leadership to confront and overcome new impediments to success.

In our latest BASA Awards' podcast, Samm Marshall speaks to BASA Board Chairman Charmaine Soobramoney and Nikki Belford, Group Sponsorship and Industry Relationships Manager at Hollard Insurance. In their conversation, they speak both generally about their personal approach to leadership, as well as how this applies to the local, South African milieu. Ultimately, amplifying freedom of thought and skills application will invariably yield a complement of colleagues wholly committed to the business and its values and goals. The conversation also focused on our current challenges, both as a result of local drawbacks and the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this has urged leaders to adjust their tried-and-tested methods of leadership to confront and overcome new impediments to success.

In the third of our BASA Awards' podcasts, Samm Marshall speaks to Banele Khoza, the artist commissioned to create this year's Awards' trophies. As the star of a number of high-profile exhibitions, 2017 Gerard Sekoto Foundation award winner, and winner of the SA Taxi Foundation Art Award, 2020 initially looked to be an equally successful period of work. But it also threatened to be the overwhelming kind of productivity that sometimes leads to burnout. Banele chats to Samm about the honour of creating the trophies for an Awards event he hopes to one day participate in as a winner, and how the change in circumstances wrought by the global pandemic unexpectedly saved him.

In the third of our BASA Awards' podcasts, Samm Marshall speaks to Banele Khoza, the artist commissioned to create this year's Awards' trophies. As the star of a number of high-profile exhibitions, 2017 Gerard Sekoto Foundation award winner, and winner of the SA Taxi Foundation Art Award, 2020 initially looked to be an equally successful period of work. But it also threatened to be the overwhelming kind of productivity that sometimes leads to burnout. Banele chats to Samm about the honour of creating the trophies for an Awards event he hopes to one day participate in as a winner, and how the change in circumstances wrought by the global pandemic unexpectedly saved him.

Why celebrating collaborations that facilitate opportunities is more critical than ever. As South Africa tentatively adjusts to Level 1 of our national lockdown, BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien remarks his surprise at the rapidity at which it occurred, with Hollard CMO Heidi Brauer echoing this and applauding South Africans' collective capacity for care and our gift for embracing change. This was the tone of the latest episode of the BASA Awards' podcast. When Samm Marshall sat down to speak to Ashraf and Heidi about their Awards partnership, front of mind were with the keen adjustments both organisations were compelled to make in light of current crucial needs and changes. This sensitivity to the appropriateness of an Awards ceremony during a time of great need in the creative sector was paramount to ensuring the Awards sustain their focus on being a platform that recognises success stories in business and arts partnerships. Concomitant to this was BASA and Hollard's overarching mandate to the arts sector, evidenced by both BASA's Artist Relief Fund and its associated fundraising efforts, as well as Hollard's redirecting of 50% of its sponsorship fund to the ARF. Listen to how these partners have tirelessly worked to present the 2020 BASA Awards as being truly representative of the overall tone of the creative sector today.

Why celebrating collaborations that facilitate opportunities is more critical than ever. As South Africa tentatively adjusts to Level 1 of our national lockdown, BASA CEO Ashraf Johaardien remarks his surprise at the rapidity at which it occurred, with Hollard CMO Heidi Brauer echoing this and applauding South Africans' collective capacity for care and our gift for embracing change. This was the tone of the latest episode of the BASA Awards' podcast. When Samm Marshall sat down to speak to Ashraf and Heidi about their Awards partnership, front of mind were with the keen adjustments both organisations were compelled to make in light of current crucial needs and changes. This sensitivity to the appropriateness of an Awards ceremony during a time of great need in the creative sector was paramount to ensuring the Awards sustain their focus on being a platform that recognises success stories in business and arts partnerships. Concomitant to this was BASA and Hollard's overarching mandate to the arts sector, evidenced by both BASA's Artist Relief Fund and its associated fundraising efforts, as well as Hollard's redirecting of 50% of its sponsorship fund to the ARF. Listen to how these partners have tirelessly worked to present the 2020 BASA Awards as being truly representative of the overall tone of the creative sector today.

In this episode, BASA Awards Chairman Kojo Baffoe speaks to Samm Marshall about the unavoidable changes he and the rest of the Awards panel were compelled to carry through, in spite of this ‘Black Swan' moment, and often because of it. Kojo and Samm unpack the adaptations assimilated into this new BASA Awards model – both the adaptations effected through our organisation's own strategic efforts to improve, as well as those imposed through the current societal status quo. Ultimately, the conversation examines the necessity of these events, in sustaining the arts as the heart and soul of society. As Kojo so eloquently states, “We need to keep doing things today to guarantee we have arts projects tomorrow.”

In this episode, BASA Awards Chairman Kojo Baffoe speaks to Samm Marshall about the unavoidable changes he and the rest of the Awards panel were compelled to carry through, in spite of this ‘Black Swan' moment, and often because of it. Kojo and Samm unpack the adaptations assimilated into this new BASA Awards model – both the adaptations effected through our organisation's own strategic efforts to improve, as well as those imposed through the current societal status quo. Ultimately, the conversation examines the necessity of these events, in sustaining the arts as the heart and soul of society. As Kojo so eloquently states, “We need to keep doing things today to guarantee we have arts projects tomorrow.”