Nairobi event to focus on the financial potential of Kenya’s music industry

Titled ‘The Financial Potential Of Kenya’s Music Industry’, the forum will explore the state of key music industry sectors in Kenya, including the live music scene, digital distribution, record sales and other important revenue areas. The discussion will seek to educate and bring new ideas to the fore, not only focusing on challenges but also untapped opportunities as well as solutions.

There is clearly a lot of potential in the local industry. Kenya’s music market is said to have generated about US$19.8 million in 2012, up from US$16.5 million in 2008. And a 2015 report by PriceWaterHouse Coopers (PwC) predicted that the industry’s annual revenue would increase to US$20.7 million in 2015.

The upcoming discussion is a great platform for industry stakeholders or anyone wanting to learn, network and share ideas.

The first discussion in June focused on Kenya’s music policy, attracting professionals from various segments of the local industry, including government officials.

Panellists

George Gachara - Managing Partner, HEVA Fund: George Gachara is a social entrepreneur, cultural activist, cyclist and managing partner at HEVA Fund. He leads HEVA's exploration of the creative industries in East Africa and the role that business leadership can play in creating long-term economic and cultural value.

Mike Strano - Founding Director, Phat Music and Entertainment Limited: For 15 years Mike Strano has continually explored the music business in Kenya. Since moving to Kenya in 1998, Mike has built one of Kenya’s best-known music businesses, Phat Music and Entertainment Limited. To date his company has expanded to include six units that cater to various music business needs in Kenya. Through Phat Publishing Mike has also managed copyright-related issues for South Africa’s Sheer Publishing Africa.

June Gachui- artist and Intellectual Property Lawyer: June has been actively involved in the Kenyan entertainment industry for almost two decades. She has featured in several movies and stage plays at various theatres and performed at countless live music venues.  She is one of the few intellectual property lawyers who specialize in the entertainment and creative industry in Kenya. Previously she served as General Manager of the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP). She is set to launch her new album on 30 August.

Tim Rimbui - Record producer and founder of Waabeh: A creative and innovative music producer, Tim has worked with some of East Africa's leading artists. In 2007 he founded Ennovator Music, a production company that produces music for bands as well as solo artists. In 2012 he founded Waabeh, a digital platform to distribute music across Africa.

Moderator

Bill Odidi - Radio producer, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC): Bill Odidi has more than 15 years’ experience in broadcast, print and online journalism with a special interest in arts and culture. He is currently the head of English Service Radio at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) in Nairobi.  He also writes on the music industry for Business Daily, Daily Nation and online publications like Africa Review and This Is Africa. Bill serves on the Board of the Music In Africa Foundation.

The event will start at 6:00pm on Wednesday 28 September at the Goethe-Institut Nairobi. It is free and open to everyone. Any inquiries can be emailed to editor.ea@musicinafrica.net.