What the MediaHeads are thinking: Local creative makes cents

We are a country of rich histories, and dynamic talents. From the catchy rhythm of ama-piano, the gripping TV soapies and the vibrant street art, our creative economy is as diverse as our people. The creative economy is one of our country's most promising sectors, helping to drive innovation, create jobs, celebrate local and shape a South African identity that resonates globally.

A creative explosion rooted in local ideas

At the heart of the creative economy's success is the generation of local ideas and creative concepts. It’s the stories from the streets and the hustlers. It the local dialects, DJ’s, poets and musicians. It is the people and cultural nuance that give the creative sector an edge. When creators draw from their lived experiences, they produce work that is authentic, relatable, and engaging. This authenticity resonates not only with audiences but becomes an attractive marketplace for brands.

Artists, designers, producers, and writers constantly explore new ways to tell our stories. These local narratives have given rise to powerful movements in fashion, music, television, and radio, leading to engaging concepts that breathe life into the entertainment sector. Think local reality TV shows or popular soaps. The on-screen antics and characters drive conversation, social awakening and economic investment. Music creates new dance styles, lingo and beats. This in turn drives fashion, street culture and social trends.

Local audiences are celebrating local content across platforms and it is our authentic story, and ability to tell, it that grips the heart and mind.

Radio: The soundtrack of our nation

South African radio has always been more than just a medium for entertainment; it’s a powerful platform for cultural expression, social discussion, and public engagement. Think Metro FM on a Sunday, that is a movement on its own. Our radio is also about our language and brands are becoming more in-tune with the need to speak to audiences in real terms, in a language they embrace. The continued success of local language radio dramas for knowledge building and information sharing is testament to a growing creative economy.

The evolution of digital audio and podcasting further expands opportunities for creatives. Ideas and concepts no longer only resonate locally. They are available globally and on-demand, making local voices globally relevant. Local singer Tyla is an excellent example of South African creative energy capturing the world’s imagination.

Television: Telling our stories

Television is a pillar of South Africa's creative economy, reflecting our nation's diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. Local soap operas like Generations: The Legacy, Muvhango, and Uzalo have cemented themselves as household names, drawing millions of viewers. But it doesn't stop there. Newer shows like Blood & Water and Queen Sono have gained international acclaim, highlighting the global potential of South African storytelling.

The growth of the television sector fuels multiple aspects of the economy. It creates jobs for actors, writers, directors, set designers, makeup artists, and a host of other professionals. Additionally, television plays a significant role in advertising and marketing, providing platforms for brands to connect with consumers. The more the industry thrives, the more demand there is for creative marketing and advertising, creating a cycle that continuously supports economic growth.

Art and theatre: Spaces of expression

Art and theatre have long been avenues for South Africans to express complex social issues, cultural identities, and political narratives. Galleries and theatres, serve as cultural hubs that attract both local and international visitors. These elements are a vital cornerstone to our creative space as the industry is a holistic expression of local talent and skills.

Music and fashion: The beat of economic growth

Music is arguably one of South Africa's most significant creative cash producers. The sector doesn't operate in isolation; it generates income for producers, sound engineers, event managers, promoters, and merchandisers. Live music events, festivals and concerts stimulate local industry by creating demand for accommodation, food and transport. Fashion is a similar industry in that it encapsulates local colour, culture and couture but also supports a much bigger economic footprint than the clothing items one sees.

Advertising and marketing: Bridging creativity and commerce

The advertising and marketing sectors are key connectors within the creative economy. They use the stories, visuals, and sounds created by artists, musicians, and designers to build brand identities and sell products. South Africa's advertising industry is renowned for its creativity, often incorporating local languages, humour, and cultural references to create memorable campaigns that connect with diverse audiences.

Incorporating local creativity into advertising doesn't just sell products; it also promotes cultural pride and awareness. It ensures that the value of South African creativity is acknowledged and celebrated, reinforcing the idea that local ideas can have both cultural and economic worth.

Ecosystems for creative growth

The development of South Africa's creative economy is not just about the individual sectors but about how they interact and support each other. When local ideas fuel radio shows, television programs, theatre productions, fashion lines, and music, they create an interconnected ecosystem. For this ecosystem to thrive, continued investment in education, infrastructure, and technology is crucial. Nurturing talent, acknowledging skill, building confidence, providing platforms and investing in local creativity builds a more robust local creative sector.

As we celebrate Heritage Month, let’s live, hear, see, speak, eat and wear and buy local!