By: Nomvula Ndlovu

Local music industry stakeholders in Durban gathered for the KZN Music Imbizo at KZN Music House on Thursday to discuss the way forward in the local music industry.

The Imbizo is an independent annual music business exhibition held in Durban. The initiative started in 2007 by a private company called Creative Lead Productions (Now operating as Creative Lead) with the assistance of the eThekwini Municipality and a number of partners. It has been going strong ever since it was implemented.

The co-organiser, Lungisani Mncwango said that the exhibition is a platform for people in the music industry to network, share expertise and knowledge about the industry.

“In the exhibition, there are lot of representatives from various music sectors. The aim is to look at the business side of music not as entertainers or entertainment. People have limited knowledge on how they can turn their musical talent into a business,” said Mncwango.

Refilwe Morakwle, from the Association of Independent Record Companies (AIRCO), which was one of the many exhibitors, said it is crucial for artists and other people involved in the music industry to have sufficient knowledge about the field.

She added, “ The music industry is not as glamorous and money making as it seems. A lot of people such as artists, songwriters, producers and so forth, are losing money because of lack of knowledge. People that want to be involved or that are in the music industry need to take advantage of educative opportunities like this because they enlighten and sharpen your knowledge.”

Local Hip-Hop artist Sbusiso “GhettoChild” Nxumalo said that the exhibition was informative.

“This was very informing, it catered for all the people in the music industry. I applaud the organisers for such excellent work,” he said.

Mncwango concluded that the Imbizo shall continue to educate and empower local artists.