Discore programme to launch in Johannesburg

Designed as a knowledge transfer and matchmaking programme, Discore will target production experts from the African music industry.

A media statement said Discore would bring the world of music production closer to the African editions of the Discop film, TV and digital content markets.

Discop Johannesburg is expected to host event organisers, music buyers, sellers and producers from more than 70 countries on 25, 26 and 27 October.

“There is a growing demand for African music licensing in film globally and our primary objective is to provide an atmosphere that matches the demand to the supply through our knowledge transfer and matchmaking programme,” PHAT! Music & Entertainment executive director Mike Strano told Music In Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.

The partnership between the Los Angeles-based Discop and PHAT! Music & Entertainment is set to continue in the future with three and four events taking place in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The 2019 Discop markets will take place in Nigeria (March), Côte d'Ivoire (May), Zanzibar (July) and South Africa (October).

“The partnership is between two companies passionate about growing our African entertainment industry,” Strano said. “However, we are in talks with several potential sponsors who are interested in jumping on board with our project.”

Asked what producers and musicians are not doing right regarding the export of music abroad, Strano said: “There is definitely no shortage of talent and original content in Africa when it comes to music. But music producers and creators in Africa need to realise that it goes beyond just producing good and original content.

“Music needs to be operated with the professionalism that a normal business requires. Musicians need to go the extra mile on networking, growing their contacts and creating a large consumption base for their music in Africa and beyond. Discore sounds like the perfect place to begin.”

This year’s Discop will put Ethiopia in the spotlight and explore the potential of the country’s rapidly growing middle class and population of more than 100 million people as one of Africa’s most promising TV markets.

For more information about Discop Johannesburg, click here.