Creative youth and budding artists in Kisumu and its environs have received a major boost following the establishment of a multimedia production studio, dubbed media lab, by Baraza Media Lab, a renowned media agency in the country.
According to the agency’s Program Coordinator, Cynthia Muthoni, the media lab which will be based at Lake Basin Mall has been launched to nurture and promote young talents while also creating a space for upcoming artists to record and produce music.
“We want artists to come and use our space to create and monetize their content. The media lab will also serve as a digital platform to create content for diverse online media channels,” said Muthoni.
Speaking during unveiling of the lab in Kisumu, Muthoni urged young upcoming artists to take advantage of the media lab to produce their best products and also create new content to take advantage of the fast-growing creative industry.
She said the lab will create a free space in the inaugural six months period so as to attract and support as many artists as possible in the preliminary stages.
“Thereafter we intend to rent the space for recording and charge subscribed members at least Ksh12,000 a year,” she disclosed.
Community program Manager, Geoffrey Emoja observed that there was abundant talent in the region, but little opportunity existed to harness and tap them.
“Our intention is to grow young talents in the arts industry. We want to make sure that we help young artists to explore their skills and creative abilities,” he said.
During the launch, many upcoming artists shared their tales, challenges and experiences in the industry.
Emoja and Muthoni promised to tap media professionals in TV production, Radio production and Print media sectors to help in content creation and production.
She said the media professionals will help to sharpen the skills of the artists so that they can produce rich content that can earn them a living.
Muthoni also disclosed that they will set up civic education forums alongside the content creation hub.
The forums will engage residents to hold local authorities accountable to promote good governance.
They will focus on stock taking of sense data on governance, allocation of resources to the community and use of these resources in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Some of the artists raised concerns about past troubles in accessing such platforms. They expressed hope that this platform will serve them.
In the coming weeks, the agency will be carrying out intense public awareness on their services as they create office spaces to roll out active services.
Also present was Kenya Music Union chairman Isaac Gem who lamented over the continued exploitation of artists in the country.
By Fredrick Odiero
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
