It is that time of the year again, where the KwaZulu-Natal
music industry gathers to network and talk business. The 7th KZN Music Imbizo
will take place in Durban from August 27 to 29.
KZN Music Imbizo is an independent annual music business
exhibition and conference that is held in Durban. The conference collects
various music industry stakeholders under one roof to map the way forward for
the KwaZulu-Natal music industry. It is a platform to exhibit, network, share
expertise and knowledge.
The 7th KZN Music Imbizo is headlined by local and
international speakers covering various topics under the theme of Content Is Queen, From Africa With Love.
It also carries on from the previous year to screen music related films from
all over Africa. “The idea for the KZN Music Imbizo, this year, is to celebrate
who we are. Our theme says that content is beautiful. African content is
beautiful,” explains Sphe Mbhele – project manager of the KZN Music Imbizo.
The KZN Music Imbizo’s vision is simple – contribute to the
creation of a highly organized, sustainable and successful music industry
within the province, where practitioners are knowledgeable and have a
world-view of the ins and outs of the music business.
This includes catering to the full value chain of the
industry through the programme during the KZN Music Imbizo – Panel Discussions,
Music Film Screening, Exhibition, Music Producers Forum, Music Equipment
Demonstration and Music Showcases/Performances.
Again this year, entry fee to the KZN Music Imbizo is free
but pre-registration is very important as space is limited. The night showcases
will be R50 and six are planned for 2015. These include a Hiphop & Rock
Showcase, House & Kwaito Showcase, Gospel Showcase, Maskandi Showcase, Jazz
Showcase plus Reggae & Ragga Showcase.
The theme is also inspired by the move for digitalisation
and a strong belief that this will be a big boost for the creative sector –
especially content producers nationally. The speakers will be discussing the
issue of content and how content is consumed. “How does our media choose the
content? Who influences the content? Can more local content be consumed? What
are the opportunities for the music and creative sector as we digitise?” There
will be many questions asked. Hopefully, answers will flow and opportunities
will be recognised – entrepreneurs will take charge.
Some of the speakers this year include Sizwe Zako. South
Africa is familiar with the name and the work of this giant in the music
industry. He is responsible for producing some of the most beautiful gospel
music for other legends within the genre. From Lagos (Nigeria), Aibee Abidoye
is the general manager at Chocolate City – home to Ice Prince and other
incredible artists. She will be part of a panel discussing the Female Perspective in the music
industry.
Darlene Menzies (Founder: The Development House) will be
part of a panel discussion on understanding your finances. The Development
House is the owner of SMEasy, a valuable software for managing accounting books
as a small and medium company. Lehlogonolo “ King Shaft“ Moropane is a
director of Uzalo (on SABC 1) and an
award winning filmmaker who graduated with a BA film degree from AFDA film
school in 2003. Shaft has over 15 years experience in the film industry working
as a director, writer and producer. He will shed some light on the relationship
between Music, Film and Culture as part of the film screening discussions.
KZN Music Imbizo 2015 speakers include Akio Kawahito (DJ,
Artist Manager & Entrepreneur), Reason (Hiphop Artist), Nathi Zungu (Artist
& Record Label Executive), Melanie Triegaardt (Music Programmer at MTV Base
and MTV ZA), Miza (Musician & Entrepreneur), Selloane Moeti (Fashion
Stylist) plus many more.
The 7th KZN Music Imbizo will take place at the Royal Hotel
(267 Anton Lembede Street) from August 27 to 29. Visit www.kzn-musicimbizo.co.za for more
information on the speakers and their details.
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