The beat goes on in Newtown next month, where musicians and music industry players will get together for the annual Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition.

THE fifth annual Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition, Moshito '08, takes place in Newtown, Joburg's cultural precinct, next month, and organisers promise an exciting mix of music industry executives, musicians, producers and the like.

Over 600 delegates are expected to attend the conference, taking place at Museum Africa from Wednesday, 10 September to 13 September.

Moshito is a Sepedi word meaning The Beat. The conference is designed to broaden the business acumen of people in the industry, strengthen their business networks and spread the word to delegates, traders and the public about the comprehensive nature of what is truly a global cultural industry, the organisers say.

Over four days, industry experts drawn from around the globe and South Africa stimulated debate and discussion over key issues facing the SA music industry

It presents a platform for music producers, makers and shakers, songwriters and artists, record company personnel, promoters, engineers, distributors and the media, to network, exchange ideas and opinions, showcase their goods and services, and socialise.

On offer are "good information, strong networking opportunities, exhibitions, live music performances, new contacts and business opportunities", notes Zee Cuba, a publicist for JT Communication Solutions.

Topics such as technology, new music markets, live music and performances, social development and piracy will be explored. "These [issues] will be spotlighted, debated and unbundled in plenary, breakaway and hot seat sessions," reads a press statement from the organisers.

Speakers
A number of local and international speakers have been invited to discuss these and other issues, including socio-economic development. The digital aspect of the global music business will form a key element of Moshito '08, the statement adds.

In a first, this year the organisers of Moshito have partnered with the World Music Expo (Womex,) the biggest folk, ethnic, traditional, alternative and local music and trade fair worldwide. Womex takes place every year at the end of October; this year it is being held in Seville, in Spain.

"Womex will be developing key sessions with us," confirms Arnold Mabunda, the chairman of Moshito, who says he is excited about the partnership.

Gerald Seligman, the general director of Womex, says members of his organisation attended the last two Moshito conferences, and "we are enthusiastic about what [takes] place at this dynamic conference".

He sees Moshito as a focused and well-structured event dedicated to developing skills, supporting national cultures, opening up the international marketplace and, "in general, providing a platform to discuss this challenging moment in the music industry".

Culture
"We're honoured to be working with Moshito and feel privileged to be collaborating in the home of one of the world's richest musical cultures," Seligman adds.

Womex delegates will take part in discussions focusing on digital and international music environments. "This is just one of the many exciting working relationships that Moshito '08 will boast," the organisers note.

Moshito ‘08 is endorsed and sponsored by the City of Johannesburg and the national Department of Arts and Culture, the SABC, Gearhouse South Africa, the South African Music Rights Organisation and Business and Arts South Africa. It is organised in partnership with the Gauteng provincial department of sport, arts, culture and recreation.

It is open to the public on 12 and 13 September, when parties will feature live performances. On the other days it is open to the trade only.

It is expected to be much bigger than the 2007 conference, and will allow the public to speak to industry experts, including lawyers and record company personnel.

Being around for five years is a milestone for Moshito. "We feel extremely proud to be in our fifth year and can look back at the development from Moshito's inception with a real sense of pride," Mabunda notes.

But the route hasn't lacked adversity. "There have been challenges along the way, but we are always pushing our benchmark out," Mabunda says. This year he is confident of offering a range of presentations, discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities that are unique to the African continent.

Registration is R500 for delegates and companies on the Moshito website. For the trade exhibition, visit the website.

Provision will be made for those who cannot afford the conference fees, Cuba says.

For more information, telephone Vanessa Perumal of JT Communications Solutions on 011 788 7633 or 083 268 1446; alternatively email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Moshito website.

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