Moshito conference returns in Johannesburg in September

Moshito will continue with the newly introduced film and photographic exhibition to crystallize its theme, ‘From Kwela to Hop’, which focuses on the evolution of the country’s music heritage from the kwela music of the 1950s to hip-hop in today’s post-apartheid society, and everything in between.

Besides the panel discussions and expo on offer, Moshito also offers plenty of live musical entertainment. The first day of the conference will see an opening concert on Thursday 10 September at the SABC’s M1 Studios, followed by the after-party at The Bassline’s legendary Ragga Nights hosted by Admiral and Jah Seed. The second day of the conferences will see the entertainment shifting to the Braamfontein precinct at The Orbit Jazz Club and Bistro, spilling over to nearby clubs like Great Dane, Kitchener’s and the Bannister Hotel.

The conference will close with the inaugural Moshito Music Festival on 12 September at Newtown Park, with a distinct, cosmopolitan vibe of live music, poetry and arts. Celebrating of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Freedom Charter that helped paved the way for democracy in South Africa, the festival will showcase South Africa’s musical heritage with genres ranging from kwela, traditional, pop, gospel, reggae, kwaito and hip-hop. It will feature performances by a host of artists, including kwaito legends collaborating with contemporary hip-hop artists. Legendary mbaqanga outfit the Soul Brothers are also expected to be involved, despite the recent death of frontman David Masondo.

In 2014 Moshito managed to establish partnerships with international music markets such as the Atlantic Music Expo in Cape Verde and DOADOA Music Market in East Africa, as well as the Chinese Musicians Association. This year it will add Musica Minas from Brazil as its new partner. In line with its vision to become a leading pan-African event, this year Moshito will be bringing internationally acclaimed artists from all over the world, including Maya Kamaty (Reunion), Maru Tarang (aka Ripples of the Desert) from India, DJ Scratchy and Mungo’s Hi Fi (UK), Chachi Carvalho (Cabo Verde/USA) and Karol Conka (Brazil).

Applications for Moshito’s artist showcases opened recently. If you are a musician interested in performing at Moshito, send two songs (MP3) along with artist/band biography and high-res performance or publicity photos and/or press clippings to Bheki Mlambo at [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 18 August 2015.

Tickets are available from Computicket.