Rwanda: Africa in Colors to host post-COVID-19 music discussion

Afrogroov founder Eric Kirenga will moderate the French discussion while ONGEA founder Mike Strano will moderate the English discussion. The debate seeks to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and the size of the challenges that lie ahead.The participants will comprise professionals from various sectors including music production, distribution, publishing and artist management, among others.

The list of panelists includes Sony/ATV Music Publishing South Africa A&R manager Munyaradzi Chanetsa, Music In Africa Foundation director Eddie Hatitye, Taste of Africa and Boundaryless Media founder Tengol Kplemani, Digital Virgo CEO Ibrahima Kane and Visa for Music founder Brahim El Maznedt, among others.

They will be required to imagine the future and rethink the existing models to ensure a fair transition towards more sustainable patterns beyond the current crisis. They will also discuss policymaking for the creative sector, how to earn as a creative during the pandemic and the importance of cross-border collaborations.

"Together we want to discuss the way forward to improving the industry, how best we can create business integrations on the continent, and the business models that work for the continent and Africans," Africa in Colors co-founder Raoul Rugamba told The New Times. "Also, how best to integrate technology to improve this industry, to reach bigger audiences and markets on and outside the continent."

He added: "We are hosting the largest virtual DJ event. DJs from across the globe will gather on Twitch for the largest virtual party the continent has ever hosted. The DJs will be coming from across the world, from the Americas to Australia, passing by Africa, Europe and Asia."

The DJs will get 30 to 45 minutes to play popular music from their respective countries. The event will begin at 2pm CAT on the Africa in Colors YouTube channel.