NEFCISA
NEFCISA

The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is proud of its partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as a Strategic Implementing Partner (SIP) for its Social Employment Fund (SEF). Through this collaboration, MIAF is running a national programme that is creating jobs, addressing skills gaps, and strengthening South Africa's creative industries — in line with the SEF's overarching goal to generate work for the common good and build community value through employment, social contribution, and inclusive economic participation. Operating under the banner NEFCISA (National Employment Facility for Creative Industries in South Africa), the initiative is recruiting and training participants, matching them with host organisations, and has already placed 1 500 workers across the country — surpassing its original target of 1 000. NEFCISA is delivered through a network of 20 host organisations spanning five provinces, who are actively hosting participants and contributing to work for the common good across South Africa's creative and cultural industries. Key Objectives: Support employment and entrepreneurship in the creative industries. Offer skills development and training programmes. Foster partnerships between public and private creative sectors. Promote South African creativity at both provincial and national levels Foster community development through social contribution.

ACCES
ACCES

ACCES Conference and Showcase Festival is Africa's leading music industry gathering, bringing together the people shaping the future of the continent's music business. Artists, entrepreneurs, executives, investors, policymakers and cultural leaders from across Africa and around the world come to ACCES to build partnerships, exchange ideas, discover talent and create new business opportunities. Since its launch in 2017, ACCES has become the continent's premier platform for professional exchange and music market development. Combining a high-level conference with a curated showcase festival, networking, exhibitions and industry programmes, ACCES offers a unique space where creativity meets business and where African music connects with the global industry.

Gender@Work
Gender@Work

Music In Africa Gender @ Work is a three-year training programme aimed at upskilling and increasing the participation of female professionals in the African music sector. Launched by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in April 2019, the programme is connected to the MIAF’s ACCES music conference – a pan-African event held in a different African country every year. This connection enables the programme to reach new participants in a different African country every year. The programme marks the beginning of a more concerted effort by the Foundation to support the participation and inclusion of women in all facets of its programmes and the music sector in Africa as a whole. Over the three years, the programme will aim to address gender imbalances in the sector through training, lobbying, facilitating knowledge exchange and dialogues that foster the interest of women. The broader objectives of the programme are to: Provide industry training for women on critical music industry skills, focusing on: Stage management Electronic music production and recording Music business management Technical knowledge Provide an opportunity for both professional and aspiring women to benefit from the Music In Africa network and its broad range of activities in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Provide a solution-based platform in the form of a round table at ACCES with a view to identify challenges, discuss opportunities and lobby for the interests of female practitioners. Offer participants the opportunity to benefit from programmes offered by MIAF’s partners. Increase access to educational materials. Integrate participants in the broader ACCES programme to maximise experience and exposure to the industry. Record and present training materials on the www.musicinafrica.net, including but not limited to tutorials, templates and other best-practice materials. Communicate women-based themes that support the initiatives and messages of the programme. MAIN TRAINING ACTIVITIES Training in first country (Ghana): In the first year, participants will be trained on all aspects of stage management by a team of experienced stage managers from 10 to 17 November 2019. The programme will offer robust classroom training as well as practical, hands-on training in which participants will also be given the opportunity to manage various aspects of the ACCES performance programme. Training in second country: The second training iteration will take place at ACCES 2020 when the programme will diversify its course to include music production lessons and training on other music business topics. A round-table platform will also be introduced to coincide with the ACCES programme. Training in third country: The third training iteration will take place at ACCES 2021 in a different country, offering an advanced course. HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED?  As a participant, facilitator or trainer: The programme enrolls up to 12 trainees every year. All opportunities are advertised publicly on this website, and will be added to this page. Please keep checking this page for new calls (below under UPDATES & CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES). As a partner Please contact Claire Metais at [email protected]. APPLY The call for applications for 2020 will be announced soon. The Music In Africa Gender @ Work programme is made possible with the support of the Prince Claus Fund, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut.

Sound Connects Fund
Sound Connects Fund

For cultural and creative practitioners and organisations operating in southern Africa, access to funding remains a major challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a massive impact on government policy, spending and the economy in general, and has seen spending on culture being moved further down the list of priorities. Further, the cultural and creative industries repeatedly cite four main areas where investment is needed for growth, which are increased visibility, mobility including access to new markets, finance and support structures.

Instrument Building And Repair Project
Instrument Building And Repair Project

Experience the Vibrations African Instruments Exhibition online in 3D

Nathi Bantu

Nathi Bantu

Solo artists
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East London, South Africa

In operation since:

2025

Contact person:

Nathi Bantu

BIO

Nathi Bantu, an award-winning artist hailing from South Africa, has carved a unique space in the music world through his powerful melodies and socially conscious lyrics. Born in the late 1970s in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Nathi’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, passion, and purpose. From professional boxing to becoming an influential musician, Nathi Bantu’s life embodies the spirit of transformation.

In the 1990s, Nathi Bantu displayed grit and determination as a professional boxer. However, the call of music proved too strong to resist. This pivotal shift from the boxing ring to the stage marked the beginning of a dynamic career, with Nathi captivating audiences with heartfelt songs and messages that reflect his advocacy for justice and equality.

In 2009, Nathi Bantu released his debut album, Ilanga, which became a household name. The album gained substantial airplay on South African radio, earning him the prestigious 2012 South African Traditional Music Award (SATMA) for Best Reggae Album. Deeply influenced by visionaries such as Marcus Garvey and Steve Biko, Nathi uses his music to shed light on important social issues. Reflecting on his journey, Nathi remarks, “The will to fight in the ring makes me fight for people’s rights in my music.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nathi Bantu showcased his adaptability by releasing the single Sanitizer as a prelude to his second album. The track, infused with a vibrant dancehall rhythm, was recorded during a livestream performance at Soda Studio in Johannesburg. Beyond its entertainment value, Sanitizer served as a poignant reminder of resilience, urging listeners to cleanse not just their hands but also their hearts and minds.

With electrifying performances across South Africa, from his hometown in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg and Cape Town, Nathi Bantu has solidified his reputation as a compelling live performer. His music not only entertains but also inspires, educates, and empowers—transforming art into a vehicle for social awakening.

Nathi Bantu’s evolution from a professional boxer to a celebrated musician is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering dedication. Through his art, he continues to advocate for meaningful change while inspiring audiences to rise above adversity. With every lyric and melody, Nathi reinforces his commitment to both the craft of music and the causes he champions, leaving an enduring legacy of courage, creativity, and compassion.

MUSIC RELEASES
Ilanga (Debut Album, 2009) – Winner of the 2012 SATMA Award for Best Reggae Album.
Sanitizer (Single, 2021) – A call to action and a symbol of resilience during the pandemic.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Nathi Bantu has performed at various prestigious events and venues across South Africa. His dynamic performances have graced corporate functions, government events, and festivals organized by promoters throughout the country.
Watch Live Performances:

YouTube Channel: Nathi Bantu Live Performances
MEDIA FEATURES
Radio
Nathi Bantu’s music has been played on numerous radio stations, including:

uMhlobo Wenene FM
SA FM
Mdantsane FM
And many others nationwide
Television
Nathi has made appearances on popular TV platforms, including:

SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) interviews
Make Memories with Mobicred (Featured on YouTube)
Watch More Videos:
YouTube Channel: Nathi Bantu TV Appearances
Print Media
Nathi Bantu’s work has been covered by several newspapers and print media outlets, highlighting his achievements and societal contributions.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For bookings, interviews, and collaborations:
Phone: +27 72 369 8325 | +27 78 605 2402
YouTube Channel: Nathi Bantu

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Disclaimer: Music In Africa provides a platform for musicians and contributors to embed music and videos solely for promotional purposes. If any track or video embedded on this platform violates any copyrights please inform us immediately and we will take it down. Please read our Terms of Use for more.

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