DJ Sox Join the vibrant celebration of music at the Metro FM Music Conference in eThekwini, where emerging artists will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and connect with the local music community. In Picture: DJ Sox
Image: Supplied
Durban's vibrancy is set to be upped a few more notches this week when the much-anticipated Metro FM Music Awards take place at the city’s International Convention Centre on Saturday.
One of the spin-offs from the drawcard event is the Metro FM Music Conference, which has been embedded into the new partnership between the city and the radio station.
The conference will not only bolster the local music scene but also provide invaluable insights for up-and-coming artists seeking to navigate their way through the intricate landscape of the music industry.
Durban's Playhouse will be the venue for the conference, which runs from 9am to 5pm on Thursday.
DJ Soks, also known as Mbuso Sokhela, who is one of the organisers of the conference, said their development initiative was significant in that it was linked directly to the awards event, which will be held in Durban for the next three years.
“This music conference is one of the key programmes happening over the weekend,” Sokhela said. “This conference is specially designed for up-and-coming artists, giving them a platform to acquire essential knowledge and tools for their musical journeys.”
He noted the enthusiastic reception the conference had already received, with all available spaces filled, indicating strong local interest in the initiative.
The collaboration extends beyond Metro FM, as the conference has garnered support from several prominent organisations, including Brand South Africa, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), and Africa Fashion International
Join the vibrant celebration of music at the Metro FM Music Conference in eThekwini, where emerging artists will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and connect with the local music community.
Image: FACEBOOK
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This partnership promises to bring together a variety of thought leaders and industry luminaries, including speakers such as DJ Tira and representatives from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and CAPASSO (Composers, Authors and Publishers Association), who will delve into pressing topics relevant to aspiring musicians.
Discussions will cover topics ranging from artist branding and global reach to music production, the influence of artificial intelligence in the current digital milieu, and the nuances of royalties.
Sokhela expressed appreciation for the empowering impact the conference will have on younger musicians, considering how his own journey as an artist was shaped by similar initiatives.
“We appreciate the interest we’ve received from the artists; attending conferences like these has been a vital part of my growth. It's about absorbing knowledge from those who have carved the path,” he said.
On what distinguishes this conference from others, Sokhela highlighted the importance of localised interaction.
“We have speakers who have lived experience within the South African music scene, people like DJ Tira who resonate with our audience. It cultivates a more relatable environment,” he explained.
“It's about providing opportunities for every up-and-coming artist, especially those based in areas like KwaMashu, who can benefit immensely from their insights.”
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