21 into our democracy and the South African music industry has been growing in leaps and bounds, and now developing more towards the digital sphere with the whole world, but the lack of information still leaves young people and many interested parties in the industry playing catch up most of the time.
The legendary Deejays Unite (DJU – DJ Vinny, Christos, Oskido, Fresh & Greg “The Maestro” Maloka) has of course been changing this in ways that have shown amazing results in the last 10 years through the internationally revered Southern Africa Music Conference (SAMC). The 11th edition (SAMC 2015) of the conference is back again this year on the first week of July to continue its mission to nurture and grow the industry through shared relevant information.
Supported by the City of Durban, Department of Arts & Culture, and media sponsors SABC1, Ukhozi and Metro FM, this year’s conference will be taking place in Durban, from the 02 – 5th of July 2015. This year’s activities kick off at Claremont’s Comfort Zone (02 July), and then moves to Nuz Vegas, Umlazi the next day. Like it was the case last year, “the support of the sponsors has made it possible for the conference to be offered for free to all interested parties”.
Speakers at the 2015 event include International reknowned names such as DJU, DJ Shimza, Zakes Bantwini, DJ Pepsi and Mahoota, representatives from Metro FM, Ukhozi FM & more. With the growth of hip-hop in recent years, names such as Casper Nyovest, OK MaluumKoolkat and Major League Deejays will also play an intergral part in this year’s sessions.
Workshops will include important topics like “producing”, “the digital age digital distribution(including getting onto platforms like MTN+, iTunes)”, “artist development”, “other music outlets (movies/adverts/video games)”, “media and entertainment”, “festivals and live events”, “extending one’s music to continental/international platforms” and more empowering information, from the well-travelled DJs, producers, vocalists and musicians.
SAMRO will be tackling “music rights” and “publishing issues”, with Metro FM and Ukhozi FM’s representatives engaging music makers on “media and entertainment” isuues from getting playlisted to creating music worthy of attention, and role of the media in the entertainment industry. Promoters, artist managers, and publicists get a supporting hand as well.
All attending the event and very much into the business of making music get a chance at having their music listened to and guided by music practitioners at the demo session on the last day of the event. This year’s demo session takes place on Sunday 05 July at Inanda’s Under the Moon, from 2pm. Here music makers (singers/producers) are invited to come and share their music and have it critiqued by professionals who are active in the industry.
DJU’s Oskido says that they are priviledged to be going to ekasi for the 2nd time, “all thanks to our sponsors, who are big supporters of South African talent”. This is an opportunity for young people, some without the means, to get a chance to learn a lot more about the industry from ‘artist development’, ‘the business of music’, ‘music rights’ to taking advantage of the digital space the music is playing in now.”
He also adds that the conference is also a way of promoting kasi tourism and all it offers. All sessions kick off at 9am (registration) – 5.30pm and spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis.
Greg Maloka adds that music is a game changer and hence their focus on development of the one significant element in it – “the people doing it. Music is a game changer, and we are working to make practioners see the commercially viability for themselves. At the same time we want them to see the social change that they can add through what they produce. We want them to particpate and bring positive social change using music – something that was intertwined with the freedom of our country that has led us to where we are now.”
Off course, one of the SAMC highlights is the huge Mother of all Parties – the official SAMC/Durban July after-party – on Saturday 04 July, at Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields from 6pm – 6am. Featuring the Kings of Hip-hop and Kings of Kwaito & House floors, this event is set to be the biggest and hottest ever since it was launched.
Showcasing 25 acts on one stage, the Kings of House stage features acts such as Monique Bingham (US), Ralf Gum (Germany/SA), Rocco (France), BlackCoffee, Oskido, Uhuru, DJ Fresh, Black Motion, Sox, Professor, Heavy K, Busiswa, Mahoota v/s Vetkoek, DJ Pespi and more. The hip-hop stage features the likes of Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Ricky Rick, DA L.E.S, Kwesta, Okmaloomkoolkat, T’bo Touch, DJ Feel, Dimplez, Major Leagur DJs, WTF, Ms Cosmo, Junior The Rocka, YBK, Aewon Wolf, Breeze, JNR B, and loads more.
Tickets to music event are R250 (general) and R600 for VIP at Computicket. For more information on the SAMC and Mother Party go to www.djusa.co.za, follow on twitter @DJUSAMC or check out Southern African Music Conference (SAMC) by DJU on Facebook.
11th edition of South African Music Conference looms
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