Industry news
Miles Keylock to keynote KZN Music Imbizo 2014
The 2014 KZN Music Imbizo is set for later this week, 28-30 August. The conference, themed 'A global mindset', aims to tackle areas such as finding opportunities for SA artists, what are the starting steps, as well as live performances and the SA touring circuit.
Topics ranging from digital and physical distribution, the African music ecosystem and a masterclass on publishing by Sheer publishing, open the first day of the Imbizo. Eric Apelgren, head of eThekwini Department of International Governance & Relations, will give a welcome address, talking about the global citizen. Thami Zondi, KZN Department of Economic Development & Tourism, connects the dots between the vision of the province for the creative sector and the National Development Plan.
The first day will also feature presentations from the Association of Independent Record Companies (AIRCO), South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Foundation and panel discussions including SAMRO, Sheer Publishing, Music In Africa and others.
Importance of media
The second day starts with a keynote address by Miles Keylock, editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone SA, on the importance of media in the music industry. The day is dedicated to media, advertising and education and will include presentations from the KwaZulu-Natal United Music Industry Association (KUMISA), Onexus and AIRCO, plus panel discussions that will include Iain Robinson (Ewok), Lex LaFoy and Babuyile Shabalala. Zakes Bantwini will join Khaya Dlanga to talk about branding.
Zakes Bantwini
The last day is dedicated to the artist, talking with RUMA (hip hop artist), Bheka Mthethwa (bass guitarist) and Moonchild (artist). Artist managers Given Ngwenya (DJ Cleo), Ayanda Ncwane (Ayanda Ncwane) and Sizwe Mzolo (Ihash’Elimhlophe) will talk about the management. ZuluBoy, a well-travelled musician and pioneer of the distinct sound of SkandiHop, will be the keynote speaker on the day.
Exhibition and showcase
The conference will close with a session involving the brains behind World Jam Festival, Fact Durban Rocks and Ugu Jazz Festival – Craig Clay-Smith, Belinda Saville and Siyabonga Msomi.
KZN Music Imbizo 2014 will also feature an exhibition, music showcase, equipment demo and KZN Music House studio tours. The music showcase will feature a range of genres from kwaito, schathamiya and hip hop to house music.
The KZN Music Imbizo conference and exhibition will be held at the KZN Music House (1 Epson Road, CNR. Derby Street, Greyville) from Thursday, 28 August – Saturday, 30 August 2014, 8am till 5pm. Admission is free. For more information, and the full programme, go to www.kzn-musicimbizo.co.za.
