The Midem African Forum, now in its third edition, is coming to Cape Town on 28 February for a full day of keynote talks, masterclasses and workshops, delivered by an array of international speakers.
Midem’s mission is to help build the music business of tomorrow by boosting the industry’s know-how and pushing its boundaries, leveraging creativity and talent on a global scale. Our aim is to create a strong collaborative hub to address the industry’s major issues and celebrate its breakthroughs.
Leading the speakers is Alexandre Deniot (Director of MIDEM). Deniot joined Reed MIDEM in 2017 as Director of MIDEM, the international trade event for the music industry. Under his guidance, MIDEM has cemented its position as the benchmark event for the development of the music sector in the face of complex challenges from changes in technology and business models. Prior to Reed MIDEM, Alexandre held various posts at the Universal Music Group, notably as Director of Business Development for UMG’s division based in Paris. He holds a master’s degree in Commercial Management from IAE France, Ecoles Universitaires de Management.
Other notable speakers include:
Zach Fuller – Senior Analyst MIDiA Research (United Kingdom)
Yoel Kenan – CEO, Africori (South Africa)
THEMBA – DJ & radio host (South Africa)
Karabo Senna – SAMRO (South Africa)
Thabiso Khadi – THE T-EFFECT (South Africa)
Raphel Benza – Founder, VTH Season (South Africa)
Martha Huro – Managing Director, East Africa & General Manager Kenya, Transsnet Music – Boomplay (Kenya)
Oluwatosin Sorinola – Head of Marketing, Africa, Transsnet Music – Boomplay (South Africa)
David Alexander – Sheer Music Publishing (South Africa)
Topics to be covered include:
· The state of the global music industry by Zach Fuller
· The state of the South African music industry: challenges and opportunities
· Boomplay case study: Leveraging streaming to reach global audiences
· International development and the publisher-songwriter collaboration
· Artist conversations
· Speed meeting: Meet the international delegation
End of day:
Cocktail event – Networking and showcases
The day starts at 10am and runs till 9pm.
Attendance is FREE, but by invite-only. One need only register, so please email: info and Midem will send through a personal invitation to you.
When & Where:Bridges for Music Academy
Address: Washington St, Langa, Cape Town, 7456
Date: Friday 28 February, 2020
Time: 10am to 9pm
For more information, please contact:
Martin Myers – 083 448 4475
info
Notes to the editor:
Midem aims to support the development and internationalisation of African music markets. Despite their incredible influence on lots of music styles all over the world, African countries only represent two percent of the world music market. However, thanks to Africa’s young population and rapid adoption of mobile media, the digital revolution is offering a new opportunity to export more local artists. African markets, with their diversity and rich cultural heritage, have huge potential.
With its long-term programme for Africa, Midem hopes to accelerate this transition by creating bridges between the continent and the rest of the world. This initiative aims to foster bilateral exchanges between national and international music executives and sectors in order to facilitate the structuring and professionalisation of the African market.
The African Music Forum consists of a series of conferences, workshops and showcases attended by more than 400 industry professionals including labels, streaming platforms, publishers, artists, politicians, media, and official institutions. The objective is to support the structuring and internationalisation of the African music industry, encouraging business development and new talent discovery.
Martin Myers 
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