A local musician has turned his losses into an opportunity to promote South African music through his own online “radio” show.
Devanish Hendricks from Plumstead, has turned his home recording studio into a radio station from where he broadcasts a show on Facebook every week.
The 35-year-old is a founding member of the band Jeodhouse and kicked off his first show on Wednesday.
“With everyone being in lockdown, it’s a bad time for the artist,” he says.
“One of the things I think the community or commercial radio stations can do more is to play our (local artists) songs.
“We totally understand the protocol of the radio stations and submitting music to get these songs on the radio, but a lot of us have been unsuccessful in that, so due to being declined, we become despondent.
“Therefore I have decided to create a platform where we celebrate only South African music, just to promote our music to our people.
“When bringing this idea to the artists, all of a sudden there is hope as someone listens to their music.”
CONCEPT: Broadcasts from his lounge
The show is streamed live on The Band Jeodhouse Facebook page every Wednesday at 12pm, until 1.30pm, and mense can tune in and watch, while also interacting with the host.
Viewers got a lekker surprise when R&B singer Jarrad Ricketts was called up to do a “traffic report”, while actor Loukmaan Adams read the daily horoscope.
Loukie also spoke about family life during lockdown, saying how he is sukkeling to adjust his new baby’s cot but enjoys watching his kids grow up.
Devanish says: “Most of the artists we get in touch with are busy with online projects or shows and we talk about this.”
Jarrad said he is excited about Devanish’s new show: “This is a really cool concept that allows the local artist to get exposure and spread some positivity.”