The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one. We speak to Nick Dall who has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town.

 He’s written about everything from coelacanths to circus acts, but it’s the barely believable tales of our past that get him most excited. He lives in Cape Town with his wife and kids.

My fascination with author Nick Dall is because of the Miriam story in the book. 

This book tells the stories of a dozen remarkable people – some well known, others largely forgotten – who changed Mzansi for the better.

Engagingly written and meticulously researched, Legends reminds South Africans that we have a helluva lot to be proud of. 

Most South Africans are proud of Nelson Mandela – and rightly so. His life was truly astounding, but he’s by no means the only person who should inspire us.

There’s King Moshoeshoe, whose humanity and diplomatic strategies put him head and shoulders above his contemporaries, both European and African. And John Fairbairn, who brought non-racial democracy to the Cape in 1854. Olive Schreiner was a bestselling international author who fought racism, corruption and chauvinism. And Gandhi spent twenty years here inventing a system of protest that would bring an empire to its knees.

Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa.

And then there’s Miriam Makeba, who began her life in prison and ended it as an international singing sensation.

 Steve Biko, who shifted the minds of an entire generation; and Thuli Madonsela (the book’s only living legend), who gracefully felled the most powerful man in the land.

Nick’s co-writer is Matthew Blackman who has written as a journalist on corruption in South Africa, as well as on art, literature and history.

 He recently completed a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at the University of East Anglia. He lives in Cape Town with a dog of nameless breed.

Hosted by Music Exchange founder Martin Myers, this weekly half-hour segment delivers powerful insights into the minds and careers of award-winning creatives, with a strong focus on the business side of the creative industry. 

Each episode is a candid, focused conversation between Myers and a creative in the music, theatre, design, sports or media marketing space. 

Myers says the conversations are always focused on being entertaining and inspirational, peppered with true stories, first-person accounts, and invaluable tips from the people who’ve made a successful living from their craft.

“We bring key executives and trailblazers (previous guests have included Dr. Trevor Jones – global film composer, Marc Marot – former Managing Director of Island Records and Jason Grishkoff – founder of SubmitHub) onto the station to delve into every aspect of their entertainment business reality.

“We will ultimately unpack what it takes to make a living in this space,” says Myers.

CapeTalk Station Manager Tessa van Staden says CapeTalk is passionate about supporting creatives. “Artists, musicians, sculptors, performers, directors and authors hold a mirror to society to reflect who and what we are,” says Van Staden.

“They play one of the most difficult and important functions, often without the necessary backing and resources. This segment always shares practical tips for those starting in the industry. The ‘Business of Entertainment’ hopes to inspire our audience while championing those who have paved a way in the sector,” she concludes.

For all the business insights you can’t google, don’t miss the ‘Business of Entertainment’ every Thursday at 21:00.

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About CapeTalk:

CapeTalk is Cape Town’s No.1 News and Talk Station that empowers listeners through insightful, constructive, and exciting conversations. Find us at 567 AM on the medium wave band. 

CapeTalk is Cape Town’s talk station covering the stories the Mother City is discussing. The subjects might be about the city, the country or global news, but they are chosen because they are relevant to you.

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About Martin Myers:

A UCT graduate and founder of the NPC Music Exchange, publicist and music manager, Martin Myers began his career in the music industry running UCT Radio at the University of Cape Town in 1985. 

For 16 years, Martin was BMG/Sony Music’s Cape Town publicist.

In 2009, Martin founded Music Exchange (#MEX). This non-profit body organises an annual music conference and monthly masterclasses designed to empower people in the entertainment industry, especially young artists, with the knowledge to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood. 

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