 Speakers are heading for Newtown for Moshito '08 where, for the first time Womex, the international music exhibition, will have a presence. MOSHITO '08 kicks off in Newtown tomorrow, running from Wednesday, 10 September to 13 September. The annual music conference and exhibition, now in its fifth year is taking place at Museum Africa. It will focus the spotlight on and debate issues pertinent to the music industry in plenary, breakaway and hot seat sessions, the organisers note. Because seats are limited, musicians, music executives and the like who have not yet signed up have been urged to register. So far, the support from industry players has been phenomenal, confirms the conference's chairman, Arnold Mabunda. "We are more than half-full." At the conference, a number of local and international speakers will unbundle issues pertinent to the music fraternity. This year topics will range from technology to socio-economic development and the digital aspect of the global music business, which forms a critical part of Moshito. Other topics are new music markets, live music and performances, social development and piracy.  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 International speakers billed for the conference include Gerald Seligman, the director of Womex, the World Music Expo; Manny Mohamed Aly Ansar, from Mali; and David Vodicka, the managing director of Rubber Records and Rubber Music Publishing and vice-president of the Worldwide Independent Network, a global forum for the professional independent music industry. They will join the British journalist and writer, Nigel Williamson, and Charles Ruyembe Mulimba, the director of Rulu Arts Promoters in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Moshito '08 aims to broaden the business acumen of people in the music 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. Hot seats
"Delegates will have access to the full spread of activities at this year's event, which includes plenary sessions featuring keynote speeches, breakaway sessions which allow for more focus on the issues being discussed and the popular ‘hot seats', where controversial - but important - topics affecting the South African music industry are put in the spotlight," a press release reads. The conference is fully 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. More than 600 delegates are expected to fill the venue, among them producers, musicians and industry executives. Members of the public are invited to attend on Friday and Saturday. The conference is 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. Womex
For the first time, this year Moshito has forged a partnership with Womex, the biggest folk, ethnic, traditional, alternative and local music and trade fair worldwide. Being around for five years is a milestone for Moshito, and Mabunda says that the organisers are proud to look back at the development from Moshito's inception. Registration for Moshito '08 is R500 per delegate or company; however, organisers will make provisions for those who are unable to afford this. The fee gives delegates access to all days of the conference, as well as the Delegate's Cocktail Party on Wednesday. To register for the Moshito '08 conference, visit the Moshito website or click here to register for the Moshito '08 trade exhibition. For more information, telephone Vanessa Perumal of JT Communications Solutions on 011 788 7633 or 083 268 1446; or send an email to
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