Liberia: Mano River Music Conference announces keynote speakers

The trade event, put together by live production company ASAP Africa Inc, is expected to be an annual gathering to encourage conversations about career development for local artists and industry stakeholders. The programme’s format will include panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions designed for emerging artists, industry experts and music enthusiasts. 

The programmed speakers include EMPIRE Publishing managing director for Africa Munya Chanetsa, entrepreneur and Plus Liberia founder Peace Sambola, music exec Frank Norman, who doubles as the executive producer of internet radio platform Be100 Africa, Sierra Leonean broadcaster and musician Xzu-B, as well as Liberian artist Feouls.

Their discussions will cover various topics including artist management and marketing, production techniques, global music trends, monetisation strategies, intellectual property rights and creative collaboration in the Mano River Union countries.

More speakers will be announced in the coming days.

At the conference, aspiring rappers can display their skills in rap battles organised with the LIB Battle League. At the same time, musicians will receive practical training through the Hams Vodka Quality Music Recording workshop. The summit will also present performances by emerging and established artists from Liberia and neighbouring countries.

ASAP Africa’s director of strategic partnerships, Saqar Ahhah Ahershu, said his outfit is thrilled to host the conference, which will “bring forth tips and techniques to expose the 52 million people of the Mano River Union to the music of the region.”

“We see the launching of the Mano River Music Conference as a pivotal moment for the country’s music industry,” organisers said. “By bringing together renowned international music industry experts and artists from the Mano River Union, we aim to provide invaluable insights, resources and opportunities for growth to the vibrant community of musicians and music professionals in the region.

Though this year’s conference will take place in Liberia, organisers say there are plans to rotate to different countries within the Mano River Union region in subsequent years.

The Mano River Union was founded in 1973 by Liberia and Sierra Leone before welcoming Guinea in 1980 and Ivory Coast in 2008. It aims to boost economic growth, social progress and cultural development of the member states through cooperation.

Registration for MRMC 2024 is ongoing here.