Cultural curation through the power of music.
Hector tells us about his experiences going through the Cultural Producers Programme.
Hector Mgiba’s journey from rural Mpumalanga Province to Johannesburg is a tale of determination. Growing up in a tranquil village, he aimed for a career in the creative industry. After high school, he moved to Johannesburg, diving into its music scene.
As a recording artist, Hector faced a significant challenge - the lack of platforms to showcase his artistry and connect with audiences. Instead of viewing this as a setback, he saw an opportunity to pivot towards cultural curation. His goal was to create platforms and experiences that would not only benefit himself but also uplift other creatives within the industry. This transformative shift led to the founding of Xquizified Media, a platform dedicated to collaborating with creatives and venues to curate captivating experiences.
Hector’s journey advanced with the Cultural Producers Programme by the British Council. This life-changing experience, designed to support cultural producers with practical industry knowledge, exposed Hector to international facilitators, including experts from renowned global events such as the Manchester Festival. Their insights and global perspectives revolutionised his approach to cultural curation and business positioning within the international market.
The practical knowledge and skills gained from the Cultural Producers Programme opened doors to unprecedented opportunities for Hector and Xquizified Media. Notable highlights include curating experiences for esteemed global dignitaries such as Angela Merkel, Former Chancellor of Germany, and Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State.
Creative economy understanding increased to 89%
These events involved orchestrating creative art experiences through poetic pieces and performances aligned with the dignitaries’ visit themes. Leveraging his programme-acquired expertise, Hector secured international collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Museum of the United Nations and Shade Studios in New York, underscoring his strategic positioning in the global creative market.
Inspired by his journey, Hector aims to guide aspiring youth in the creative industry through his podcast “Thriving Artist 101,” reflecting the impact of the Cultural Producers Programme on his commitment to supporting the next generation.
Our Impact Stories is a curated collection of individual stories showcasing the impact of British Council programmes across Arts and Culture, English and Schools Education, Higher Education, Non-Formal Education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across Sub-Saharan Africa. From fashion entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and Kenya to educators in Rwanda, animators in Nigeria, and heritage preservationists in Zimbabwe, the book captures the breadth and depth of what our programmes make possible when ability meets opportunity.
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