Monday, 28 August 2017

Has Social Media Become the Heart of Our Lives?



“Social media is no longer an esoteric environment; it has now become the heart of our lives.” I would like to argue that social media has a great influence on individuals who have not found their true identity and true happiness in life. Through this argumentative easy, I will endeavour to discuss the difference between my real life and my digital pseudo. I will also discuss the importance of living a balanced digital pseudo for the professional environment.

  
We identify that the theme of a constant search of happiness and personal identity is perpetuate through the film “The Circle”. The individuals joining The Circle is either looking for happiness or a community to share and to socialise with. The main character “Mae Holland” is unhappy at her current job and once she arrives at “The Circle” she finds happiness and thrives on the optimism and activities at The Circle. Her real life is no longer as important to her but rather to please her followers and giving them enjoyable content.
As mentioned above, “social media is no longer an esoteric environment; it has become the heart of our lives”. I choose to disagree with this statement because; I believe that I have found happiness within myself. However, I do remember that I once was consumed with social media and had a total different digital pseudo compared to my real life. If I could define that digital pseudo, I would say that it was filled with social nights, fancy foods and close nit family and friends with happy smiles and amazing sunsets. However, in reality my life was not as fancy as seemed, the food I uploaded was not my own, I was annoyed at social events because all I wanted was my bed. Most importantly, behind the smiles and in front of the setting sun was an unhappy girl with a fake smile, pretending to be happy. The feeling of seeing the like and love reactions increase on my social post released a good feeling that left me craving for more. However, once I realised that social media deprived me from living in the moment and left me feeling pressured because of not reaching a higher amount of likes on my next post. I then questioned my true happiness; I wanted to live a life of purpose and authenticity. I decided to limit my social media usage and attempt to make my digital pseudo fit my real life. I also decided to be selective of what I share with the public, because I now believe that I do not have to prove anything to anyone. 

Within the movie “The Circle” Mae Holland and other members of “The Circle” have no boundaries within their personal life and career at “The Circle”. There is constant transparency and everyone is in everyone’s business.  As mention “Social media is no longer an esoteric environment; it has now become the heart of our lives.”  Although social media and the desire to please the world has become the heart of many individuals, I believe that there should be a balance, between your professional persona and social life. The ideal balance for me would include; giving colleagues a sneak peek into your social life. For mutual respect and a dignified life within your professional career; I believe individuals should avoid over sharing as well as avoid showing inappropriate content that might be offensive to others and that might ruin their reputation.  I believe that it is also important to be genuine and to share content that portrays the authenticity of who you are as an individual. By sharing your hobbies and activities that you personally find interesting, would draw people with similar interest toward you. In this way you also build healthy and good relationships.   

In conclusion, social media can break us or make us, however we are have the responsibility to share what you deem as good and allow as well as control our own lives.

Click Here  to watch the trailer to the Movie 

xoxo

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Master Classes: Invitation


Are you an aspiring musician, wanting to take your career to next level?

If you answered yes to my question. I want to share and invite you to a fantastic opportunity, with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival Sustainable and Training development program.

This Master Class Workshops set up just for you, this is aimed to inspire, train and educate you to reach your goals within the music industry. There is an array of successful professionals coming to share their stories. You will have the opportunity to engage and network with them.

ANDRA DAY

Andra Day from United States of America (Washington State) born as Cassandra Monique Batie .She is a phenomenal artists who has been nominated for a Grammy and have performed at the White House for Michelle Obama on a few occasions.

She has also featured in a Apple TV spot with well known Stevie Wonder ...this song became one of the anthems fro both "Black Lives Matter" and the "Mothers of Movement" campaign.

Andra grew up in Washington but then moved to a gang-riven community in San Diego when she was just three years old. She attended an art-focused school and sang in their family church choir.
She has come a very long way to establish herself from humble beginnings. Through her music she encourages people and wishes to have a positive influence on society and culture. 

SUCCESS IN MUSIC BUSINESS INDUSTRY

I believe that I have a creative mind, I have a deep desire to produce content, be it with my blog or an event, it really drives me to work harder and developing a better concept.

I attended the Music Business workshop in the week of the CTIJF workshop Festival, out of mere curiosity to understand how producers , songwriters and educators create and build on their craft as well share my experience and knowledge gained from this event with you. 

As we all know and which was said in this workshop , the Music Industry is highly competitive and their is a high demand for original, personal and emotional content. 

The wonderful Gretchen Palarto, artist, educator and writer from USA- mention that; a song is a story, a personal story that can change many lives who will listen to it, many souls who encounter similar feelings and life experiences. She also stressed that trying to be a copycat or stealing someone's ideas will not last and said that it's important to remain true to who you are. "Your passion is what will set you a part." Gretchen Palarto 

In a nutshell these are vital characteristics I picked up in the session:
  1. Get skilled 
  2. Be authentic 
  3. Work hard 
  4. Remain humble 
  5. Be persistent 


THE MASTER CLASS -CTIJF

My all time favorite workshop is the Master Classes. I would advise and recommend this workshop to everyone.It's packed with nuggets for success and there is literally so much to learn and something for each individual to take home.

The Master Classes were hosted by Espafrika and The Cape Town International Jazz Festival Sustainable Training and Development programme. It took place at the beautiful Cape Sun five star hotel in Cape Town. I loved that this venue was central for everyone and the fact that the Master Classes had a two day take, with various artists on both days. 

As usual these classes were packed and really took the cake. I attended the Friday class and was blown away by the knowledge and wisdom shared from the various international USA artists such as vocalist and song writer Andra Day ,Saxophonist Kamasi Washington, hip-hop band The Internet and music producer Taylor Mcferrin accompanied by drummer Marcus Gilmore. 

Each artists or band had a session, which was about 45 mins long, they opened the floor by engaging with audiences and offering their personal stories and growth within the industry. 

Kamasi Washington

A humble musician and very intriguing stage presence. He shared many challenges he experienced by always struggling for gigs. He said that humility is something you must learn. 

Friday, 7 April 2017

FASHION IS NOT A LIMITED INDUSTRY

Have you ever been told that fashion is a limited career? That there is no money and very little opportunities in this field of study.

Back in 2013, my cousin who has a passion for fashion, textiles and photography got accepted to pursue a career and study fashion. It was a bittersweet moment, as her heart was set on her desire to be a creator and creative individual. After all the excitement settled, it was unfortunate that many people started labeling this career as a struggling one , a low paying and as a side job or hobby. 

For this reasons and my desire for creative inspiration , I decided to attend the Fashion Workshop hosted by Espafrika and the Cape Town International Jazz festival sustainable and training development program ( CTIJFTND) on 29 March 2017.


Prescribed Flyer for 2017 Fashion Workshop 


What stood out for me? 

I was blown away with the selection of panelist, it was an array of successful individuals working in a variety of creative fashion fields, to mention a few- Editor in chief of Glamour Magazine South Africa; Pina Fenster and Passionate Supporter of Buy SA clothing; Anita Stanbury. 

The panel definitely had my attention, with their titles and years of experience in the industry. I was shocked that most of the audience agreed that fashion is a struggling industry.However, this is partly a reality in South Africa, mainly because it is a developing industry. 

I really appreciated that Pina Fenster with years of experience, elaborated on the various and many careers in the fashion industry such as , Fashion Photography, Fashion PR, Fashion Bloggers, Designers, Textiles and designs and many more. This just proved to me that fashion is not a limited industry. 

I feel that many students as well as aspiring students need to be educated on this , as staying true to yourself and following your passion is what everyone deserves. I will definitely recommend this workshop to all young aspiring fashionistas or students, to be motivated and inspired. 

Quotes of the day: 

" Success is a long time struggle" Anita Stanbury panelist ".

" You are never to old for the fashion industry." Pina Fenster panelists.

" Money can't buy success, follow your passion" - from the audience.




Wednesday, 1 March 2017

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2017

This year's 18th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival  (CTIJF) is back with a bang! It claims to be bigger,  better and even more jazzier than ever.  Experience this year's  jazzy sensations from local and international artists such as Tresor, EnVogue and Judith Sephuma right here in our beautiful city-Cape Town.
As you know, I am currently a public relations student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT ). This year I have another portfolio committed to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, thus I will be updating you on all the information and FREE workshops available - which you are invited to!
This journey has been a phenomenal experience and such a privilege. I hope that over next few weeks , you'll be informed and just as excited about this year's  CTIJF and the various workshops hosted by the CTIJF Sustainable Training Development Programme. 
Sign up to my blog and I'll pop you a weekly
email to keep you posted on the newest details!

Follow : @CTIJFSustainableTrainingDevlopment on Facebook 
🔝Like the official Facebook page and stay connected.

I hope to see your face in the audience.


X
Toni Erasmus