July 13, 2005
By Rose Setshoge
JOBURG will be the home of local music this month, when it hosts the Moshito 05 conference.
Moshito is the South African music industry's showcase event. It aims to unite the industry and provide opportunities for undiscovered talent.
This year's conference, hosted by the City and the national departments of arts and culture and labour, will run from 20 to 22 July, at the Sandton Convention Centre. The keynote speaker is Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan.
Based on a Sepedi word meaning rhythm or vibe, Moshito was launched last year to draw up a plan of action for the music industry, a major money spinner for the local economy.
"Moshito is the vehicle which aims to equip all stakeholders so they can compete and thrive in the world's music markets," says the chairman, Nicholas Motsatse.
This year the conference has been extended to include an exhibition. About 25 exhibitors will take part, including record companies, promoters, publishers, and media and technology groups.
Promoting African music is one of the event's main priorities. Some of the topics to be discussed are the role of media, gender concerns regarding the under-representation of women in the industry, live performance against DJs, music's contribution to the economy, piracy and copyright, the music business in Africa, and digital rights management.
Participants will look at the current trends in the industry, governance, and developing markets and the industry.
Call made for new artists
Moshito 05 is seeking diva wannabes, and will give unknown artists an opportunity to show their talent.
New artists are urged to register and submit demo CDs. These will be played to industry representatives at the conference.
Then, a showcase takes place on Friday, 22 July from 11.30am.
"One of the core Moshito objectives is to expose and provide opportunities for new and upcoming talent," says Motsatse. "This innovative showcase concept is a tangible and definitive step towards achieving that mandate."
Places are limited and those wanting to take part should note:
- The showcase is only open to South African artists or bands;
- Registration costs R50 per entry;
- Only original material will be accepted;
- There is no age restriction;
- The showcase is strictly for unsigned artists; and
- Submissions should not be longer than three minutes.
Demos and registration fees should be handed to Spin Production, 50 Nellie Street, Norwood by Monday, 18 July.
Organisers point out that participation will not necessarily result in a recording deal. "It is a platform for emerging talent to showcase their work to appropriate audiences." For more information, or to enter, contact Brenda Sisane on 011 483 2951.
People wanting to attend Moshito '05 can register online at www.moshito.co.za/register until Friday, 15 July. For more information about Moshito, contact Marang Setshwaelo on 011 234 8650.
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