Bessie Head recording studio to empower city’s youth
The launch of the brand new recording studio at Bessie Head Library aims to nurture the talent and skills of the city’s youth.
The American Corner Podcast and Recording Studio at the Bessie Head Library was launched on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing partnership between the Msunduzi Municipality and the American Embassy.
Speaking at the studio’s launch, Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla thanked the American Embassy for continuing to support the city and its youth.
“The partnership between Msunduzi Municipality and the American Embassy began in 2004 and it has managed to provide resources that empower our youth,” said Thebolla.
He called upon the youth to come forward and utilise the podcast and recording station. “This studio belongs to the youth of the city. I want to urge young people to take care of this facility and to protect it from vandalisation because it belongs to them.”
Minister Counsellor Frank Whitaker, from the American Embassy, said the studio is aimed at giving a voice to the youth of Pietermaritzburg.
“I’m really excited about how this space looks. We invested a lot of money into this studio, but I’m not excited about how the space looks, but what is going to happen here. This podcasting centre gives the youth a voice. The US government is here because we want to see a stronger South Africa... We see this centre as critical in supporting the youth of Pietermaritzburg.”
US Consul General Anne Linnee encouraged everyone to make use of the studio. “Podcasting and reporting are such exciting [mediums] to tap into to build what is great about the community and culture, but also moving forward to reach out and expand horizons,” she said, adding that it is the youth and youth empowerment that keeps the long-standing partnership between America and South Africa going from strength to strength.
The American Corner Podcast and Recording Studio will be accessible to all free of charge at the Bessie Head Library.