Napsta Collective to host creatives’ seminar in Joburg

First held in Cape Town, The Next Chapter conference will be facilitated by comedian, entrepreneur and founding creative partner of Napsta Group, Napsta Masinga. Confirmed speakers at the seminar include Khensani Nobanda (Nedbank), Alistair King (King James Group), Odette Van De Haar (eTV), Emma Gibbons (SafeSpace Mental Health Support), Timothy Mauruice (author), and Thabiet Allie (MTN).

They will be joined by the following panelists: Sizwe Alakine, whose hip hop stage name is Reason (rapper), Wendy Bergsteedt (Coronation), Ahmed Tilly (Number 10), Mmusi Maimane (politician and philanthropist), Nandi Dlepu (entrepreneur), Wanda Lephoto (designer), Thebe Magugu (designer), Greg Maloka (YFM), Sibu Mabena (Duma Collective), and Bheki Dube (entrepreneur).

Topics under discussion include Funding, Creative Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, Business In Creativity, Wellness & Addiction and Personal Branding.

“This is a seminar for creatives by creatives,” Masinga said. “As a creative entrepreneur myself who has walked the journey and experienced the challenges faced by most creatives, like money mismanagement, lack of business acumen, access to funding, depression, and toxic work environments, I know how important an event like this is, and how it’s going to make a difference in the lives of so many young creatives. Initiatives like these are much needed, especially after what a lot of creatives have endured during the pandemic.

“So, if you’re a DJ, singer, designer, photographer, model, actor, creative thinker, or thought leader, this conference is for you. Clear out the schedule, put it in your diary and make a date with Johannesburg’s top creatives and business minds.”

The event, Masinga said, would equip attendees with practical business tools through panel discussions and highly informative, interactive breakaway sessions.

“The seminar will be hosted annually, and promises to be nothing short of a fun, engaging and highly impactful event where attendees will walk away with answers to questions, new perspective and fresh ideas. They will also get practical business tools that can be applied immediately, access to a new network of potential mentors and like minded peers, as well as business leads and access to potential investors.”

Masinga argued it was essential to host an in-person event after a long period of screen time, online meetings, and virtual events.

“Everyone is constantly complaining about screen fatigue. With some people expressing their longing for personal interactions and in-person events. This informed our decision after asking ourselves ‘why not give the people what they want?’ while ensuring all COVID-19 protocols are observed.”

The seminar will also feature live music performances during breakaway and networking sessions.

Tickets to The Next Chapter seminar can be purchased here.