Liberia to host first Mano River Music Conference in December

The trade event aims to bring together the music, video and tech industries. It recognises that music is now closely intertwined with video and relies on technology for monetisation, all within an evolving landscape where the African music streaming segment has experienced substantial growth and the tech industry that is projected to employ over 20 million people by 2030. 

ASAP Africa boasts over 60 years of live event experience in locations like Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and West Africa. Its other flagship events include the LIB Battle League, the Journey Home Film Festival and the Liberia Film Awards.

The event also looks to foster a mutually beneficial relationship among the Mano River Union countries, namely Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire.

The MRMC will feature various conference activations, including panels hosted by music industry executives, popular tech talent and sought-after video professionals from the US, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Mano River Union countries. These panels will focus on best practices in collaborating, promoting, and monetising music, video, and tech initiatives.

Additionally, the conference will host the First Annual Mano River Union Battle Rap Championship, where competitors from each of the participating countries will vie for record, publishing and production deals, among other prizes. 

A hackathon event will feature the best in tech, where programmers will collaborate over a short period to work on a project. Teams will have 48 hours to complete their tasks and the winning team will be rewarded with a cash prize and other incentives.

The conference will also include panels on monetising music and viral videos focusing on best practices in protecting intellectual property and achieving growth. Another panel will delve into tech, discussing strategies for getting apps to market, find investors and build a following.

The conference will conclude with a live concert featuring celebrated artists from the Mano River Union countries. 

The Mano River Union was established in 1973 between Liberia and Sierra Leone and later expanded to include Guinea in 1980 and Cote d’Ivoire in 2008. Its primary goal is accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural advancement through active collaboration and mutual assistance.