It is that time of the year again, where the KwaZulu-Natal music industry gathers together to network and talk business. The seventh KZN Music Imbizo will be taking place at the Royal Hotel (267 Anton Lembede Street, Durban) from Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29.

The  independent annual music business exhibition and 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. This year’s event will see local and international speakers covering topics under the theme of Content is Queen, From Africa with love.

“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,” says Sphe Mbhele, project manager of the event.

The KZN Music Imbizo’s vision is simple – contribute to the creation of a highly organised, 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. Delegates will be able to take part in panel discussions, music film screenings, exhibitions, a music producers forum, music equipment demonstrations and music showcases and performances.

Entry is free but pre-registration is very important as space is limited. The night-time showcases will cost R50 and include a Hiphop & Rock Showcase, House & Kwaito Showcase, Gospel Showcase, Maskandi Showcase, Jazz Showcase plus Reggae & Ragga Showcase.

SPEAKERS

The speakers will be discussing the issue of content and how content is consumed. They will also talk about how the media chooses 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?

Some of the speakers include:

SIZWE ZAKO, a giant in the music industry responsible for producing some of the most beautiful gospel music for other legends within the genre.

From Lagos (Nigeria), AIBEE ABIDOYE, general manager at Chocolate City – home to Ice Prince and other 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, an incredible software for managing your 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 DAY SHOWCASES

Forty up and coming artists from KwaZulu-Natal, covering diverse genres, are given a chance to showcase their talent during the showcases at the Workshop AmphiTheatre. They will feature Kwaito, Hiphop, Jazz, Gospel and other genres.

Artists will be competing to make the list of 10 that will be showcasing their talent at the South African Indies Music Week 2016 in Johannesburg and prize money of R10 000.

This platform is for semi-professional artists that are looking to test their sound and product. They need to have a complete set that is worth showcasing. They are judged by two judges and the results are announced on the Saturday.

EXHIBITION

Twenty small and medium sized companies from music related sectors will get the chance to exhibit their products and services during the KZN Music Imbizo. The cost of the exhibition stand is R900 for the three days of the Imbizo. Inquiries: Denice at 031 301 8739 or e-mail Denice at denice@kzn-musicimbizo.co.za

MUSIC PRODUCER FORUM

The music producer forum will take place on Augsut 27 and 28 from 12 noon to 4 pm. This is where music producers network and share knowledge amongst themselves.

SOUND EQUIPMENT DEMO

The KZN Music Imbizo partners with a sound equipment company to demo top of the range equipment through the equipment demo session. If you are interested in setting up your own studio or you are looking for expert advice on music equipment, an expert will be on hand to advice.

FILM SCREENING

Ten music related films from all over Africa will be screened at the KZN Music Imbizo 2015.

From Zanzibar comes, AS OLD AS MY TONGUE, a film based on Bi Kidude. A legend on her home island of Zanzibar and has beguiled audiences around the world on her wide and varied travels. A favourite of sultans, presidents and sailors, her story is remarkable; challenging our perception of age and of women in a Muslim society.

JUPITER’S DANCE is a beautiful story shot at the ghettos of Kinshasa — the devastated capital of a country politically and economically adrift — are filled with many gifted, yet impoverished musicians. Their outstanding talent, humour and vital energy are their only means of survival. Amongst them, Jupiter, the charismatic leader of the band “Okwess International”, acts as our narrator and guide.

Other films to be screened at the KZN Music Imbizo include SARABAH (Senegal), THE LAST SONG BEFORE THE WAR (Mali), ROAD TO BALEYA – MUSIC HAS NO BORDERS (Mali), LIKE AN AMBASSODOR OF HIS PEOPLE (Senegal). Visit the website: http://www.kzn-musicimbizo.co.za for more films and their details.

Find out more about the event at www.kzn-musicimbizo.co.za