Legendary music maestro Tshepo Tshola and multi-award-winning singer Tresor opened October’s edition of the AMPD Icons Conversation with a crowd shaking collaborative performance, where they also swopped inspirational stories at the Old Mutual AMPD Studios in Newtown Junction.
Facilitated every month in front of a vibrant and ambitious audience, live on Metro FM, these musical and conversational dialogues between Icons aims to stimulate and empower aspiring artists and creative entrepreneurs’, by giving guidance on how to survive and sustain oneself in the creative industry.
Coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and having to experience the worst human atrocities ever. Tshepo Tshola and Tresor are the epitome of a success story, in the different ways they’ve manoeuvred through the music industry and made a living from their craft. “I was looking for a piece of cardboard to put in my holey shoes when I heard my voice on the radio for the first time. Today I’m overwhelmed by the number of shoes I can buy for myself and others”, said Tshepo. “I crossed the river from the DRC and landed in Durban barefoot, with no plan in sight, but I knew that I never wanted to be poor, as long as I live. Today, my music career is helping me work towards building a hospital in the DRC”, added Tresor.
Amid the highs and lows artists will face in the music industry, the two-generational icons emphasized very deeply the principle of finding a purpose and balance of both your musical career and for your finances.
Tshepo Tshola mentioned that he didn’t know what he was doing with his money, because he only got a bank account after 30 years of being in the music industry. “I was living on a hand-to-mouth basis until 1969”, said Tshepo.
Tresor admitted to regretting some of the financial mistakes he made and said he’s working towards building generational wealth and longevity.
Both very passionate about Africa, the two artists urge aspiring artists and creatives to start uplifting each other and holding each other’s hand so that Africa can thrive to be a better and more sustainable continent.
Relationships and collaborations are the keys to longer and more sustainable even lucrative careers. Finding the right people to coach and guide you with your finances is just as important as working with the music industry experts. never forget that music must be dealt with like a business.
The Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual, John Manyike closed off with some words of financial wisdom as always. “If we can apply all the principles we’ve learnt here today, then we are certainly going somewhere. A lot of us don’t know the purpose of money, it’s not just something to buy with, it’s something that’s meant to grow and build strong foundation blocks to help you achieve your dreams. Money should work for you with the sole objective of it being multiplied as much as possible. Find a purpose for your money and make it work for you not the other way round”, concluded John.
Join in the social conversations about AMPD Studios using the hashtags #AMPDStudios and #TheTimeIsNow and follow Old Mutual on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find out how you can amplify your music career with AMPD Studios, you can email info@ampdstudios.co.za or WhatsApp the team on 081 707 6636.
