Most of you would have caught the piece entitled Curio-Shop Afro-Motif Music: Who Will Rid Us Of This Sad Sight?, by 2oceansvibe colmnist, Sipho Hlongwane. Whilst the story was well read and received some commentary, it was only today that the article received a response from one of it’s main subjects, SA music act Gazelle. I enjoyed it – check it out..

Dear Mr Hlongwane

Thank you for your opinion on the matter of Curio-Shop-Afro-Motif Music. Here in the Imperial House of Africa we are very thrilled to read about your recollections of a time where you were young, something that is important to the development of ones character later on in life..

We also believe it is good to make comment and opinion, to express the freedom of speech that we have as a basic human right. A right that could be threatened in the immanent future by the ruling governments new policy in this very land, potentially narrowing information and freedom of speech, likewise fueling the need of expression.

Allowing or suppressing this freedom produces diverse, cliche and sometimes extreme viewpoints, which is mirrored in a true reflection of the time through art of the period in its many forms and in some cases becomes the identity of a society.

It is the case in any art form, that an artist has the opportunity to communicate a feeling that transcends through language, culture and sometimes ideology…. For some that might be closer to their truth and to other less so.. whether the context of the art is real or not is almost irrelevant as it is the perception and interpretation by the onlooker that is the key to its virtue.

There could be many different subjects for the onlooker to focus on within a piece. Some consider the concept while others look at the substance… Sometimes trying to find worth and meaning. This depends on the individuals interests and opinions, which inevitably forms part of the persons opinion and response to the piece. Which means their is always subjectivity and critique in any art or creativity as such…Which is the basis of our individualism and our right to be able to express it.

So if the measure of a revered art piece is a unanimous and wide spread appeal, then it would also have to portray a very fundamental identity or image based on the diversity of its widespread success. Paradoxically it could also be said that a lesser known piece would generate different opinions, would be more specific to a smaller group and receive a less acclaimed review. This does not mean the work to be any of lower quality or took more energy to create it, neither is it better or worse in it execution. It is simply the beholders eye that defines the value of any such perspective

But if that art piece has an impact on one group with many different opinions rather than one view over many groups, then could it also be a good art….?

Who is to judge…only to appreciate or to not. And if a particular piece is highly appreciated or not appreciated it still has a point of measure of its perceived value. This value is a contribution to the greater quantity of its field and without that input would leave a space where it could have been.

In closing I would be inclined to rather view art through the eyes of many than to perceive it solely from a subjective point of view. This kind of perspective has a much larger vista than that of one angle.

I would also like to inform you that Gazelle has expressed their interest in your writings and observations.

The Band have extended an invitation to you and would be honored if you would attend their next performance as their very important guest.. Which will be at the Assembly on the 21st of May. Gazelle would be very pleased to host you at a fantastic evening filled with positive and uplifting messages.

I await your rsvp.

Yours in the freedom of expression

DJ Invizable
MM (IHA)

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Check out Gazelle’s website here.

Follow Gazelle on twitter here.