FACE 2 FACE / with
Nobesuthu Rayi Executive Producer of the National Arts Festival
Q Please tell us about your work as the Executive Producer of the National Arts Festival.
A
My job is very layered. It ’ s a combination of stakeholder management, contracting and positioning the Festival with artists and stakeholders within the eco-system of the arts and culture landscape. It’s multi-faceted and interesting - and sometimes challenging.
How and where did it all start?
A: It all started in 2010, I was a performer at the time but when I was injured in a road accident, I couldn’t perform and that’s when I developed an interest in the work that was happening behind the scenes and realised that this was something I was very interested in. At first, I practiced this role at a small scale, putting together Udaba Dance Festival in Uitenhage with community dance groups from there.
Next I became the in-house SWII Arts Amendment Production Company producer and then I became the National Arts Council theatre panellist. From there I became Artistic Manager at the then Port Elizabeth Opera House and from there I made my journey to the National Arts Festival as the Associate Producer.
I did this for a year, after which I became Acting Executive Producer until becoming fulltime Executive Producer in 2019. I also produced the first Sharjah Fringe in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 which was a project of the National Arts Festival.
Best moment?
Realising that I am the first black woman from the Eastern Cape in this role. Coming from a disadvantaged province without a thriving arts industry, I was instantly connected into a national and international network of creative and culture practioners.
It is also a full circle for me as I came to this Festival as a young person, just ten years old for the first time, and then went on to participate as a performer in 2006. I remember being in awe of how big this Festival is and the thrilling possibility of seeing your idols perform live and now here I am producing it.
Low point (and how you recovered).
When Covid forced us to suspend the live National Arts Festival we had to deal with the realisation what this would have significant impact for the arts and artists in South Africa and for people and businesses in Makhanda.
Down time: how do you unwind?
I love taking long walks at the beach around sunset and just taking in the beauty of nature. Unwinding is also relaxing as I play my favourite music and spend time with family.
A song, mantra or phrase that sums up the way you see the world.
People Like You by Gramps Morgan because it reminds me that instead of responding in a negative way we can all just be kinder.
Something South African to celebrate?
The ability for our country to stand together – the philanthropic nature of the people who look after one another in tough times and times of need.
One thing South Africa needs to fix?
We need to have real, frank conversations about where we are heading as a country because there is so much sugar coating about the current reality and we’re just putting a band aid on a bleeding wound without drying it first. There is still so much unresolved anger. We need spaces to process this.
Top of your recommendations for visitors to Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast?
There are amazing beaches and I’ve always loved the Mpekweni Resort!
Top of your own bucket list? Bungee jumping!
Favourite book, movie and artist?
Becoming by Michelle Obama, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Nomhle Nokonyeni
Who is your hero, and why?
My Mom. She is the epitome of inner beauty, resilience and strength.