Moshito boosts conference line-up with exciting live shows

At its recent media launch in Johannesburg, the board of Moshito unveiled an exciting value proposition detailing how it plans to celebrate 12 years since its inception with the theme 'From Kwela to Hop: The Great South African Songbook'. The theme will be carried out through three new concerts and festivals taking place at the Market Theatre in Newtown, a free open-air festival in Braamfontein, as well as the inaugural annual Moshito Music Festival in Newtown Park.

Unveiling its entertainment programme, the board was unequivocal in its intention to ‘occupy Joburg’ through music in public spaces, which will also include club gigs at the Bannister Hotel and Great Dane in Braamfontein, as well as the Bassline in Newtown.

Moshito chairman Sipho Sithole explained that the strategic decision was taken by the Moshito Board to ensure that the conference is not limited to only discussions on the music business. Instead, Moshito is opening up its offering to provide more opportunities for musicians to showcase their talents in front of a diverse audience, including talent scouts and promoters.

Carrying this year’s Moshito theme as ambassadors are two pioneers, kwela musician Lemmy ‘Special’ Mabaso and Emile YX of Cape Town hip-hop stalwarts Black Noise.

Unpacking the theme, Sithole explained: “The conference recognizes those important timelines that carved the cultural and music landscape of this country. We thought it befitting to recognize those musicians that defined the narrative of our music heritage. We are so excited about this year’s event, where music meets business and business creates opportunities.

“Our partnership with the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival is another breakthrough as it also positions Moshito as a concert producer, which will be realised through the Moshito Music Festival in Newtown on 12 September,” he added.

The conference promises to be the biggest industry gathering in 2015, with a stimulating conference programme, an expanded expo section and enough live elements to keep guests entertained for the course of the conference. The event kicks off with an opening concert on Wednesday 9 September at the SABC’s M1 studio, where the likes of Maru Tarang ft. Indwe, Maya Kamaty, Tribute Birdie Mboweni and Judith Sephuma will offer soulful, indigenous African sounds.

The opening will be followed by two days of conference activities on 10 and 11 September. Speakers from various parts of the music and lifestyle industries will tackle conceptual topics such as ‘The Kwaito, Hiphop Narrative’ and ‘Forget Print? Is the Future Digital?’

Moshito 2015 has roped in some of the leading singer-songwriters and Afro-soul female artists such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana, Unathi Nkayi-Msengana, as well as bubblegum pioneer Mercy Pakela, just to mention a few. Other emerging and established voices such as Tribute Birdie Mboweni, Indwe, Nathi as well as Leanne Dlamini will be some of the artists that will complete the line-up of soul singers. Moshito will also host internationally acclaimed artists such as Maya Kamaty (Reunion Islands), Maru Tarang (India), Cabruera (Brazil), DJ Scratchy (UK), Lorraine Lionheart (Botswana/UK), and Chachi Carvalho (Cape Verde/USA), among others.

Sithole added: “Moshito continues to manage established partnerships with international music markets, such as the Atlantic Music Expo in Cape Verde, DOADOA Music Market in East Africa, the Indian Ocean Music Market Association (IOMMA) and the Chinese Musicians Association - and with the addition of Musica Minas from Brazil, Moshito is proud to grow and maintain their affiliation with such renounced partnerships.”

This year Moshito presents the following live events:

• 9 Sept: Opening Concert - SABC M1 Studios (Auckland Park)
• 10 Sept: Jazz Night at the Market Theatre (Newtown)
• 10 Sept: Moshito @ Ragga Nights hosted by African Storm (Newtown)
• 11 Sept: Concert in the City – Braamfontein (free Concert)
• 12 Sept: Moshito Music Festival: The Great South African Songbook (Newtown Park)

To book your seat or for more details, visit the Moshito website.