The 14th edition of Music Exchange is a one-day conference jam-packed with stellar speakers.
The conference welcome is by award-winning Siphokazi Jonas, who has just published her debut book by Penguin Random House, “Weeping Becomes a River“.
We then have our esteemed thought leader, investigative journalist and film writer/director/producer, Diana Neille, who will attend and deliver the keynote address at this year’s Music Exchange Conference (#MEX24) being held on 30th November, from 9 am to 4:30 pm in Cape Town.
Her highly anticipated keynote – A Reporter’s Notes on Intermediary Impunity: Can the South African Music Industry be Reformed? – will be one no one invested in the entertainment business should miss.
The multi-talented Columbia University Masters graduate will discuss the dark underbelly of the South African music industry, how intermediaries have crippled the sector for decades, and what changes could and should put music makers (singers, musicians, songwriters, composers, independent producers and publishers) at the core of the business, where they belong.
Diana Neille is an award-winning South African investigative journalist, filmmaker and documentarian known for her in-depth work on issues of corporate and political corruption, social justice, and coverage of the local music sector.
Her recent work on systemic corruption in the South African music industry garnered recognition at the INMA Global Media Awards.
Following Diana is Paris Toon from the USA – from Local to Global
Paris Toon is the Billboard charting award-winning entrepreneur and the musical enigma behind Mother’s Favourite Child.
He is an extraordinary business entrepreneur, songwriter and producer who never seems to stray for a moment from his forward-driven vision of success in the music world and beyond.
Paris started as a hip-hop producer and has done production and remix work for many platinum-selling projects. He has worked with George Benson, Carl Cox, Robin S., CeCe Peniston, Adina Howard, Atlantic Records, Warner Bros, Island Def Jam, Gucci, Christian Lou Boutin and many more.
After Paris, we have Glenn Gillis
Glenn is the co-founder and CEO of Sea Monster and the chairperson of Games for Change Africa. Glenn is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25 years of experience as a senior executive and consultant in the creative industries. He is an expert on technology’s role in storytelling and a thought leader on how impact games and immersive technologies (AR & VR) can be used to build brands and drive effective learning outcomes in Africa and beyond.
Glenn will speak about Games, the evolution of engagement
Lance Stehr is next, talking about The importance of Diversification while dealing with your passion
One of South Africa’s most prominent independent record labels, Ghetto Ruff, was established in the late 1980s when Lance Stehr (current managing director) formed Cape Town-based hip-hop pioneers Prophets Of Da City (POC). Their fusion of African and American ideas was crucial in crafting the sound of SA hip-hop.
Stehr expanded and grew the label into the premier kwaito label in the country. R&B star Ishmael was born out of POC, and in 1996 helped Ghetto Ruff Records discover and nurtured numerous Kwaito stars, resulting in hundreds of awards.
Ghetto Ruff has since maintained its standards of understanding current trends and talent selection. Many artists under Ghetto Ruff have been nominated for awards, gained international exposure and progressed in their music, business and production careers.
The label has been home to talents such as Malik, Jozi, Zola, Bongani Fassie, Bricks, Pitch Black Afro, RJ Benjamin, Ishmael, Gumshev, Da L.E.S, Young Uz, Ruff X and more.
Muthaland Entertainment, the sister company of Ghetto Ruff, is perhaps one of the most successful recording stables in South Africa, having paved the way for many artists who went from nothing to stars.
Jon Savage speaks about Podcasting: The Bitcoin of Media Influence
This is to talk about how podcasting is disrupting the mainstream media and creating a decentralised economy for podcasting and content creators- tracking global and African trends and showcasing opportunities
Director of INBROADCASTING
Founder of the AFRICAN PODCAST NETWORK and AMPD STUDIOS
Content Strategist for HAVE YOU HEARD
He is so passionate about what he does that he mostly cannot remember which part is work and which part is play.
Brendan “Spike” Ballantine will speak about – Leveraging Audio Production for Success in Podcasting
Brendan, the founder of dbo Media, amplifies podcasting’s strengths by developing creative concepts that help shape an engaging narrative.
We combine that with high technical and sound design excellence for a memorable listening experience.
Barry Mare is closing the day, talking to What does Radio want?
Barry is a content producer for Cape Talk and 702 and will give great insights about what you can do to get into broadcasting.
About MEX
At our core, MEX is a veritable teacher, delivering critically needed skills to the entertainment economy. It serves the greater good of all stakeholders by promoting and fostering prosperity and sustainability within the Arts sector and beyond.
A vibrant, world-class South African music industry is premised on successful homegrown talent intent on attaining global reach and international acclaim.
At #MEX24, we ensure the successful sharing of experiences and knowledge of keynote speakers with creatives participating in panel discussions, workshops, and showcases. After all, we can all do with inspiration and global best practices to apply immediately in our professional lives.
We bring together the finest local and international Thought Leaders to address a range of topical and relevant issues the industry faces today. Think podcasts, radio, collecting agencies, PR, marketing, and monetising the entertainment economy – now and into the future.
The power of the network
It’s time to scrub up, head out and socialise. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to escape social media for a day or two and relish real-life conversations with fellow creatives?
Great music. Great content. Great people.
At only R150 for full access to all #MEX24 has to offer, the value and the calibre of content, and those delivering it, is unmatched.
