South African Music Conference 2009 June 30 to July 03All roads lead to Durban where music experts as well as up-and-coming musicians will gather for the ninth South African Music Conference in their bid to make the local industry a force to be reckoned with around the world.
The conference is at the BAT Centre in Durban from June 30 to July 03. It is aimed at motivating and empowering young musicians about this dog-eat-dog industry and how not to die as paupers like many of Mzansi’s icons.
For years, the conference organisers and South Africa’s top deejays – Christos, Fresh, Oskido, Greg Maloka and Vinny Da Vinci – have managed to bring industry experts and internationally acclaimed producers such as Masters At Work, Osunlade, Manoo and Rocco as guest speakers to the conference.
And this year is no different.
Ralf Gum and Karizma, leading house DJs, producers and label owner, will be at the conference.
The conference is in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, SABC1, Metro FM and AXE and is also aimed at creating a platform where the music industry can share knowledge.
And for the second time, Sunday World investigations editor Mzilikazi wa Afrika, whose song Mahuwelele has become an international club anthem, has been invited as a guest speaker .
Mzilikazi, affectionately known as Mzee in music circles, says: “The conference is a solid foundation for anybody who wants to be in the music industry.
“We must all come together and build our industry to be stronger and make a big mark around the world.”
Themba “Euphnonik” Nkosi, one of the guest deejays, says “it raises awareness that the industry is not only about the glamour and fame”.
Oskido said when they started the conference “the idea was to give back to the community for supporting us .”
