#MzansiBrewed: Supporting Local Art is Activism

I have said it once before and I am going to say it again. Art, in whichever form has a language that can penetrate deep into one’s soul. Whether you are spiritual or not, I am certain that we can agree that there is an emotive tug that a good piece of art invokes deep down within. The year 2016 finds South Africa at a crossroad in terms of Black voices rising and asserting themselves against different forms of oppression. It is a time where we can no longer deny the reality and pain that comes with Blackness.

Various forms of art therefore become very important as tools of liberation for an oppressed group. This explores the debate of “art for art sake” on the value for art. Although I am not in favour of putting the responsibility of how art is received and interpreted solely on the artist. I do believe that (black) artists have a big role to play in conveying a message to their audience. A very contentious statement, hence I chose my words carefully. It is not the artist's responsibility, but they do play a big role in the grand scheme of things. With #BlackPain being a reality, art in any form helps us go through each day with hope knowing that we will occupy what is rightfully ours (Can we stop being strangers on our own land please bbz*).

With the country currently going through much hardships and strain, there is no other place to retreat than in the safe arms of art. Because when our souls are crushed from the realities of black pain, we can but find expression in the form of art. Through the melodic rhythms, we express what we can't say in words. Through words, we allow our souls to speak. Through visuals, we come face to face with ourselves. Within our hollow chambers , our souls cry out, orchestrating the feelings we can’t quite comprehend. This black pain that torments us. The words, tunes and images that float is but a true mirror to our bleeding hearts. They explain fully what we feel. The thud and pulse we can’t quite put a finger on. ‪#‎Ubumnyama‬!

May we all make a conscious decision to support local at all cost. It not only builds confidence and consciousness, but it adds to the economy as well, making it possible for currency to go around black hands.

Let us continue supporting local. It is an act of activism!

#MzansiBrewed

* @Leighratoh said it first