International expertise, two major pre-recorded talks and direct access to industry decision-makers.
Music Exchange #MEX26 returns on 31 October with practical knowledge and connections to help build sustainable careers.
How do you turn creative talent into a sustainable business, earn from your music and build opportunities beyond South Africa?
Music Exchange MEX26, now in its 16th year, brings those questions into focus on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town.
Featuring international speakers from the USA and Germany, two major pre-recorded international conversations, Gallo Music’s centenary and a SAMRO senior leadership panel hosted by CapeTalk’s Barry Mare, MEX26 connects delegates with professionals working across the business of music.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH PRACTICAL VALUE
Dr A’Ion Holiday (USA) opens the speaker programme with “What It Takes to Create a Global Creative Platform in the US & South Africa: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” His session examines the realities of building creative platforms across borders, including the challenges behind the opportunities.
Eric Kiafouka (Germany) presents “Beyond Streaming: Publishing in the World’s Fifth Biggest Music Market and the International Opportunities It Creates.” The session puts publishing and international opportunities firmly on the agenda for creators looking beyond streaming income.
Paris Toon (USA) concludes the speaker programme with “The Importance of Collaboration in Music & Business Outside of South Africa”, exploring how relationships and partnerships can help creative careers reach new markets.
TWO MAJOR PRE-RECORDED INTERNATIONAL CONVERSATIONS
In conversation with Jason Curtis, Yonas Aregai, Chief of Staff at GoldState Music, explores artist management, music investment and Africa’s place in the global industry. Drawing on experience that includes helping develop Alan Walker’s international career, he examines what makes an artist’s career durable and what managers need to understand as the industry changes.
The second session features Jeremy Marsh and Marc Marot of the UK’s Breaking Wave Group, whose careers include work with U2, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Annie Lennox and Take That.
Their discussion, “Reimagining the Record Label: From Legacy Custodian to IP Powerhouse in the Age of AI”, tackles the changing role of labels, the value of intellectual property and the impact of artificial intelligence.
GALLO 100: A CENTURY OF MUSIC, LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE
Antos Stella presents “Gallo 100: A Sound That Started a Century”, putting a landmark in South African music history at the heart of MEX26.
Celebrating 100 years of Gallo Music, the session connects musical heritage with the business of preserving, developing and creating new value from a catalogue.
A further discussion with Kwelagobe Sekele and Gabisile Shabangu explores Music Africa Direct, bringing technology, streaming and sampling into the conversation about African music’s future.
SAMRO: FROM RIGHTS TO REVENUE
CapeTalk’s Barry Mare hosts the SAMRO senior leadership panel, bringing together Karabo Senna, Chola Makgamathe, Lesego Maforah and Nobambo Goduka.
Under the theme “From Rights to Revenue: License. Protect. Invest. Monetise.”, the panel addresses licensing, copyright, investment in creativity and the practical steps creators can take to understand and earn from their rights.
BOOK YOUR PLACE. BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Hosted by DJ Eazy, MEX26 offers artists, managers, producers, songwriters, DJs, students and entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn industry best practice, exchange ideas and connect with experienced professionals.
The wider programme covers royalties, sync licensing, artist branding, leadership and AI, with prize giveaways sponsored by Bothners Music Group. Delegates must be present to claim prizes.
Tickets start at R150, with four days of Music Week access spanning Muziki Africa on 28 October, Pretty Loud Summit on 29 and 30 October, and Music Exchange on 31 October.
Come with questions. Make the connections. Leave better equipped to build your career.
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town
Tickets: Book your MEX26 ticket via Quicket
Information: www.musicexchange.org.za
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