To our community, supporters, and collaborators,
As we prepare for our presence at this year's Smoking Dragon Festival, we are reaching an important crossroads in our mission to build a lasting, independent creative movement for Black township and rural artists. We have encountered significant challenges in our fundraising efforts that highlight a crucial truth: the traditional strategies used by well-established brands simply aren’t designed to support movements like ours. Our focus on sustainability, transparency, and true independence requires a fresh approach that is deeply connected to our values and grounded in doing things the right way from the start.
Why It’s Essential to Get It Right—Even If It Takes Longer
We’re building a future for Black, independent artists, and we must do so with patience and by the book. Any shortcuts or compromises now may undermine everything we aim to achieve long term. If we rush, or if we simply replicate old systems that don’t work for marginalized voices, we risk falling into the same traps that have kept Black artists and communities from achieving ownership and real impact.
Getting it right means moving with a careful eye on the future, ensuring that every step we take now builds toward a sustainable presence for Black creatives. This process requires time, patience, and above all, the unwavering support of people who understand the stakes. True change isn’t built overnight, but when built right, it lasts. By working carefully and establishing robust frameworks, we can avoid the cycle of exploitation and marginalization that has persisted in the industry, where township and rural artists have historically had limited ownership over their work and opportunities.
Ending the Cycle of Exploitation in Artist Bookings
We must address the cycle of dissatisfaction that has long plagued marginalized artists. Traditional booking systems, where artists are booked without ownership and a say in the broader mission, leave our artists disempowered. This outdated model fails to honor the hard work and creativity of artists who have deep roots in their communities. It’s time for a new model—one where township artists are not only the talent but are also in positions of influence, shaping their careers and communities in ways that benefit them directly.
If we continue with old systems, this cycle will persist, and the very voices we seek to uplift will remain sidelined. Our movement is dedicated to challenging this model by centering ownership, transparency, and fair distribution of resources.
This Year’s Fundraising Efforts as a Blueprint for the Future
Given our short-notice involvement this year, we are calling on our community to help us make this inaugural event a success. This year is a blueprint, a testing ground for us to develop a self-sustaining funding model that we can refine and strengthen over the coming years. By supporting us now, you are helping lay the foundation for a new, equitable model of artist support that will ensure township and rural creatives thrive at events like these in the future.
Your support today—whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply sharing our mission—directly contributes to a larger movement that aims to change the landscape for artists who have been historically excluded. We’re not asking for a one-time handout; we’re asking for partnership in building a future that belongs to us all.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Ilsa Roberts, the founder of Smoking Dragon Festival, for creating this opportunity to bring marginalized creative voices to the forefront. Her commitment to inclusivity has allowed us to showcase township and rural talent on a larger stage, giving them the platform to share their art, their stories, and their culture with a wider audience. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bridging gaps in the creative industry, and we are honored to be part of a festival that values and uplifts diverse voices. Thank you, Ilsa, for recognizing the potential of our artists and empowering us to organize in a way that truly respects and celebrates our community.
Thank you for being part of this journey. With your support, we can establish a new, sustainable model for Black, independent artists—one that prioritizes ownership, integrity, and long-term success.
In solidarity,
Dumisani Radebe
We Are The Money Movement
wearethemoney.info@gmail.com
Phone: +27 69 248 4230 / +27 (63) 008-1839
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/WATMFacebook
Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/WATMGroup
Your support will mean the world to us ✊🏾!
#MAKWANDE!
From:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/525253040096012/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
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