Open call: The Music Imbizo 2025

The conference also invites musicians and DJs to apply for its live showcases, offering a platform to perform in front of a diverse audience of music professionals and fans. It will run under theme: At The Root of Innovation Is Culture, Creativity, and The Power of IP. The theme highlights the intersection of culture, creativity, and Intellectual Property in the modern music industry.

New this year, The Music Imbizo introduces a Dance Music Showcase, specifically calling all DJs to submit their applications and be part of this dynamic addition to the programme.

Dance Music Showcase

• Date: 26 August to 30 August 2025.
• Submissions close: 15 March 2025.

Requirements

• Open to all DJs aged 18 and older.
• For all types of dance music.
• Open for local and international deejays.
• Accommodation is provided for the deejay and their manager that are travelling from outside Durban (eThekwini Metro) for two nights only.
• A modest stipend fee amounting to R6 000 (about $320) is payable to the DJ including R1000 stipend for any deejay traveling from outside the city.
• A minimum 30 minute mix showcasing your skills and unique style in dance music.
• Mixes must be submitted as a streaming link.
• Include a completed submission form with all required details (full name, stage name, contact information, bio, technical rider, etc.).

Eligibility

• Open to all DJs aged 18 and older.
• Must specialise in dance music, including genres such as house music, gqom, amapiano, 3-Step, Afro-house, techno and other popular sub-genres.
• Both emerging and established DJs are welcome to apply.

Applications for Dance Music Showcase are done here.

The Music Imbizo 2025 Showcases

• Date: 26 August to 30 August 2025.
• Submissions close: 15 March 2025.

The showcases are:

• For all types of genres.
• Open for local and international artists and groups.
  • Accommodation is provided for artists and musicians that are travelling from outside Durban (eThekwini Metro) for two nights only.
  • A modest performance fee (R10 000) is payable to the artists and groups / plus R2000 stipend for any band traveling from outside the city.
  • All submissions must be based on live performances and original music.

Terms and conditions

• Showcasing artists will be provided with ground transport (related to the performance) plus airport transfers.
• Showcasing artists from outside Durban will be provided with accommodation (related to the performance) and a group per diem. One band manager only may be included in the travelling party and benefit from the same support offered by The Music Imbizo as the performing band members. The Music Imbizo will only cater accommodation for five people, including the manager were possible.
• The Music Imbizo will provide regular sound and lights plus basic shared backline.
• Showcasing artists will be granted full access passes to all The Music Imbizo activities, including the conference and workshops.
• Showcasing artists will be promoted across The Music Imbizo related platforms (programme, newsletters, press releases, website, social media) plus platforms of our partners.

Applications for The Music Imbizo 2025 Showcases are done here.

The Music Imbizo 2025 Speakers/Panellists

• Date: 26 August to 30 August 2025.
• Submissions close: 15 March 2025.

Are you a trailblazer, thought leader, or expert in the music and creative industries? The Music Imbizo 2025 invites dynamic speakers to join us in exploring our theme: At The Root of Innovation is Culture, Creativity, and the Power of IP.

This year, the conference will dive deep into the foundational elements shaping the future of music:

• Culture: How does culture drive innovation and influence global trends in music? Share insights on preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
• Creativity: What sparks innovation in music and the creative economy? Discuss strategies to nurture creativity, inspire bold artistic expression, and push boundaries.
• The Power of IP: Why is intellectual property vital for empowering creators and ensuring sustainability? Explore the role of IP in protecting, monetising, and scaling creative works.
• We’re looking for thought-provoking speakers to lead panel discussions, keynote addresses, workshops, and side discussions that inspire, challenge, and empower our audience. Whether you’re an artist, cultural advocate, music entrepreneur, legal expert, tech innovator, or industry professional, your voice can make a difference.

Terms and conditions

• To the best of Speaker’s knowledge, their presence at The Music Imbizo does not violate any proprietary or personal rights of others (including, but not limited to, any copyright, trademark, or privacy rights), is factually accurate, and contains nothing defamatory or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate.
• Speaker has obtained all necessary licenses and permissions for any third party intellectual property including, but not limited to, music, video or other media shown as part of the Speaker’s presentation.
• Speaker agrees that no portion of the resulting media created at the Event, containing Speaker’s name, biographical information, quotes, photographs, or recorded interviews needs to be submitted for any approval.
• Speakers allows The Music Imbizo to use their likeness and information for purposes relating to promoting and marketing The Music Imbizo on their website and their social media platforms plus partner media companies/organisations platforms.

Applications for The Music Imbizo 2025 Speakers/Panellists are done here.

Competitions

Exciting industry-related competitions are back. Applications are now open for:

• The Beat Battle – The ultimate showdown for beat-makers and producers.
• The Hackathon – Tech meets music in this innovation challenge.
• The MOOT Court Competition – A legal battle over music industry rights.

Additionally, the Film Scoring Competition will open in mid-February, while the Film Festival submissions will follow soon.

Tickets to the The Music Imbizo 2025 are available nationwide at Pick n Pay stores and online here.

View the original call here.