Much loved Bloemfontein-born boy band, Simple Stories, needs the support of residents more than ever. The group, which consists of members CJ van Wyk, Naledi Mohapi and Sam Akach, is appealing to everyone in the city and country to help them raise R65 000 through crowd-funding as this will help fund their first album. The money will cover recording and distribution costs.
The band’s manager, who is also an established jazz musician, Lesley Jennings, says while R65 000 is the target, they would appreciate it if they could raise more than this so that they will be able to have an album launch in Bloemfontein, go on a national tour and do other activities promoting the band.
Jennings said the new album will be a 10- to 12-track one. The band hopes to release the album in 2019, which will be “a good time to release fresh and new content.”
She also revealed that they will use The Thunda Fund, which is the leading South African platform for crowdfunding. “Patrons interested in contributing to this cause can find details of the campaign on the Thunda Fund website. This is also the place where pledges may be made,” Jennings added.
“Pledges can be made from amounts of R50 through to any amount of money you’d like to contribute, you’re not restricted by the rewards,” she said.
The background story and objectives with regards to this initiative can also be viewed on the website, for those seeking this information. As a bonus for the support, she said there will be a number of rewards for those who participate, all of which are locally produced and handmade items which range from sneakers, T-shirts, caps, posters and other cool merchandise folks will be more than happy to get. These items are the result of a partnership with a number of companies in the Rose City and they cannot be obtained anywhere else.
They will include the winners’ choice of lyrics to be customised onto them. Jennings warned, however, that there are limited quantities of some of these items.
Various secure payment options, such as debit and credit cards are also available online. This campaign will launch in April and run for 45 days thereafter. For more information, send an email to [email protected].
Pulane Choane
