Durban, 11 August – The Virtual Music Imbizo 2020

The Music Imbizo (the music business conference and exhibition) will take place for the twelfth time. Hundreds of national and international music experts, organizers, label owners, bookers, and musicians will meet during the day for discussion and networking online – register from www.themusicimbizo.co.za .

The theme: AFRICAN UNITY – THE REAL CURRENCY … is a rallying call for more collaboration and intra-trade amongst countries in the continent. The conference programme will address current issues in the music industry: The protection of intellectual property; Doing business in the continent; Music and brand associations; Streaming; These and other questions will be answered by international representatives of the music industry in panels, workshops, networking sessions and speed meetings from Wednesday 26 August to Saturday 29 August.

The Virtual Music Imbizo 2020 also features a selection of industry relevant workshops. The Music Producer Forum will be a space for producer to learn new skills and techniques on fusing local influence with modern sounds, producers like Blinky Bill (Kenya); Azu Tiwaline (Tunisia) and Panji Anoff (Ghana) will give us an exclusive audio tour of their influences. The talented songwriter/curator/founder of ALTBLK Msaki (South Africa) is hosting a songwriting workshop over two days with some interesting guests. The talented songstress has worked with various industry giants such as Black Coffee (earning another SAMA nomination), Black Motion, Mobi Dixon, Kid X and Revolution who are veterans in the South African house music genre with a knack for featuring the best vocals over their sublime beats. Jess White is a creative and dynamic artist manager, booking agent, music consultant and event producer, providing a platform to music, the arts and creative expression in South Africa, the region and beyond. He is also running a two-day workshop on music industry etiquette.

“Going virtual has given us an opportunity to pack the programme with all the necessary information, speakers, workshops without any limitations. The Virtual Music Imbizo 2020 has something for all music industry players” says Sphe Mbhele, project manager of The Music Imbizo.

The Virtual Music Imbizo boasts an impressive list of speakers including:

Yvonne ChakaChaka (South Africa), the vice president of CISAC will be giving the opening keynote address. Yvonne has been noted to share the stage with, and performed for leading lights like President Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Richard Branson, Bono, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey. Yvonne ChakaChaka is acknowledged as a word-class performer defined by originality, creativity, and consummate showmanship. Music has taken her to different parts of the African continent and all over the world as the demand for her music intensified.

Denzyl Feigelson (USA), Platoon Co-Founder and C.E.O. Denzyl formed the modern creative artist services company in 2016 with the aim of empowering fearlessly creative artists. Platoon had its first success with Jorja Smith before fuelling the explosion of Billie Eilish and was subsequently acquired by Apple in 2018. With a team spanning London, Los Angeles, and Cape Town, Feigelson guides the careers of a diverse stable of exciting global artists, including Princess Nokia, Poo Bear, Aaron Smith, Victoria Monét, Cuppy, Marian Hill, Amaarae, Nissi, Kennedi, Holly Humberstone, WurID and more.

Angela Ndambuki (Kenya), Angela is the Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa of IFPI; the organisation that represents the recorded music industry worldwide. She works across the region’s 46 countries to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music. She took on her role immediately from her position as Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Performers Rights Society of Kenya where she was instrumental in setting up the collective management organisation.

Mbuso Khoza (South Africa), Mbuso has come a long way since 2000 when he first arrived in Johannesburg to pursue his music career. 2012 saw the birth of his debut album titled Zilindile, named after his mother. He toured extensively with a live band and in 2013, he won an award for Best Jazz album at the Metro FM music awards. His vocal skills have since thrilled audiences far and wide and Khoza has performed in countries like Senegal, Burkina Faso, Portugal, Switzerland, France and The Netherlands.

NOTES TO EDITOR

The Music Imbizo is an international music business conference and exhibition. The conference collects various music industry stakeholders under one roof to map the way forward for the music industry in the continent – Africa. It is a platform to exhibit, network, share expertise and knowledge.

You will hear critical business insights and lively debates on the most topical issues facing the global music industry today and in the future. From Wednesday 26 August to Saturday 29 August, 2020, our virtual online platform (http://thevirtualmusicimbizo.hubilo.com/community) is expected to host 500 daily attendees, 50 speakers, 30 musicians and 35 exhibitors, representing more than 30 countries.

For more details:

Visit The Music Imbizo website to register: www.themusicimbizo.co.za

Social Media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/themusicimbizo/

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/themusicimbizo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/themusicimbizo

MORE ENQUIRIES:

Sphe Mbhele

Email: [email protected]

Cel: +2772 058 6675

WhatsApp: +2778 514 3212

11 Walnut Road

Regus Kingsmead