WorkshopJohannesburg, South Africa – The Annual Basadi in Music Awards in partnership with SAMRO is excited to announce its first instalment of Basadi in Music Awards Mental Wellness and Safe Spaces Workshop. Created as a response to the mental health crisis faced by individuals in their respective workspaces, the Mental Wellness and Safe Space workshop will take a deep dive into the mental health struggles found in the workplace, addressing social ills such as body shaming, harassment, bullying and competitiveness to name but a few.
The event is set to take place on 7 November 2023 from 10:00 to 15:00 at Joburg Theatre and will focus on the music, entertainment industry and corporate landscape, guided by qualified psychology practitioners, also offering a welcoming inclusive environment where individuals can share their experiences and express themselves without fear of judgement, discrimination or harm.
The event will consist of a panel of artists such as the legendary Abigail Kubeka, Kholeka, Buhlebendalo, Kamo Matsoso, record label co-owner and artist manager Tholsi Pillay and wellness expect Onkgoposte Khumalo from The Pocket Couch.
As music is a universal language, a way we express ourselves and heal, audiences can look forward to performances by Lioness and Nomakau Star. The event will close off with a practical activity lead by occupational therapist Mpho Ramano and Boipelo Ndlovu from Follow your Bliss emphasising the importance of getting out of one’s mind.
The hardest part about Mental Health and the cracks found in it which cause illness in our society is that it is something we cannot see. It could be likened to pebbles found in one’s shoe which is only felt by the person walking in those shoes. At Basadi in Music Awards Mental Wellness and Safe Space we want to free you from those pebbles one conversation at a time, as true celebration includes healing.
“Women experience a significant amount of bullying in the workplace, ranging from the ‘pull her down’ syndrome in the corporate world to harassment at musical events and festivals by organizers, media, and the public. While this space is intended to be inclusive for everyone to learn about the fundamentals of mental health and access tools for healing, we believe that women often lack the support they need in terms of mental health. We want them to be aware that they are heard and seen,” stated Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema, the CEO of Joburg City Theatres.
“SAMRO recognises the urgent need to address mental health issues in the music industry. The Mental Health and Safe Spaces workshop is part fulfilment of the recommendations from the Women’s Rights and Representation in the Music Sector Research that SAMRO conducted in 2022. Through our partnership with Basadi in Music Awards, we are committed to creating safe spaces and providing practical tools for women to overcome these obstacles. SAMRO stands firmly behind this initiative and believes in the transformative power of fostering a supportive and inclusive music environment for women,” said SAMRO.
“As an organisation deeply committed to acknowledging and celebrating musical excellence, as well as recognizing and honoring the remarkable achievements of women across a wide spectrum of entertainment domains, we firmly believe that it is of utmost importance for us to actively engage with and address the various challenges faced by the industry and its dedicated affiliates.
“In our mission to promote musical artistry and empower women in entertainment, we understand that acknowledging and addressing the pain points and difficulties that often go unnoticed is an essential part of our journey. Healing and fostering a sense of unity and support within the industry are not just ideals; they are critical elements that contribute to our overarching celebration of excellence.
“Hloni Modise, the visionary Founder of Basadi in Music Awards, has succinctly captured our ethos when she emphasized that healing is not merely a separate endeavor but an integral and pivotal part of our collective celebration.”