KNYSNA ENTERTAINMENT NEWS -  A young Knysna man is organising open mic sessions in Concordia to fight the use of drugs and alcohol among young people in Knysna.

Kamva Matshona, a poet and events organiser, held the first session on Sunday, 7 March. At the session, attended by local artists and music lovers, residents were treated to a variety of music and poetry.

The 22-year-old Matshona told Knysna-Plett Herald that the aim of these sessions is to motivate young people to chase their dreams within a healthy lifestyle. "Knysna has a problem of alcohol and drug abuse. The sessions are to try and keep young people busy so that they can stay away from drugs. I want them to focus on their talents," he said.

He has seen the lives of talented young people being ruined by drugs. "I want to stop that and help guide other artists to work towards their dreams. If things go well with the sessions, I am prepared to even go further to market Knysna talent in Cape Town and also organise gigs for Knysna artists."

Matshona said those performing at the open mic sessions are getting local exposure and motivation. "The sessions are open to everyone who wants to perform. The aim is to help these young and upcoming artists realise their dreams and be known by people in Knysna. As a poet myself, I want to help other young people who did not get the exposure to be known not only in Knysna but throughout the province," he said.

The open mic sessions are held at Thembelitsha Car Wash near Thembelitsha Primary School in Concordia.

Concordia artists performing during the open mic session in Concordia.
Photo: Tembile Sgqolana

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