SA: Moshito Music Conference to honour Mandela

Delegates from China, Brazil, Zanzibar, Uganda, the US, France, Germany, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Mozambique and the Seychelles are expected to attend the event.

The conference, which is in its 15th edition, will run under the theme, Long Walk to Music: Be the Legacy.

“The board of Moshito resolved to join the nation in observing the centenary of the late Nelson Mandela by choosing the theme as a reminder of the role music played in keeping the story of this great icon alive through those artistic voices who crafted a narrative full of trials and tribulations of a nation that refused to die,” the organisers said.

“The theme also challenges those with a talent to use this period and paint vivid pictures through word and sound and to forever be mindful of how such expressions can change people’s lives if they are channelled positively.”

The organisers have also appointed South African drummer and composer Julian Bahula as this year’s ambassador. Bahula, who is a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga, was appointed alongside singer Moonchild.

“During his exiled days in England, Bahula worked in with the anti-apartheid movement and was instrumental in organising a concert to mark the 65th birthday of Nelson Mandela.

"As is the culture of Moshito to always recognise young artists, the board also appointed one of the most travelled cultural exports, artist and performer this country has seen in the last few years, Moonchild, as the second ambassador.”

Moshito chairperson Sipho Sithole said the event would enable delegates to discuss their particular experiences.

“We will receive music practitioners from South Africa and abroad, who through music have walked a long journey to find the meaning of society and what it has in store for them,” he said.

“This year we will use this journey through music to walk in the footsteps of the icon of our struggle and hope to discover ourselves in the process. We hope that Moshito 2018 will reach out to the multitudes of our people to find a purpose in life through music and in turn be the legacy for generations to come.”

Department of Arts and Culture representative Charles Mabaso said Moshito was a flagship property in the department and commended the organisers for their effort in making the event gain recognition in other countries. “With the good work that Moshito has done over the past 15 years, as a department we continue to support it,” he said.

This year’s edition will roar into life with an invitation-only opening concert at Newtown Music Factory on 5 September. Moshito will also host three more events, namely the Afro World Night Concert, MTV Base Showcase youth concert and the Street Festival on 6, 7 and 8 September respectively.

Tickets to the event are available on the Moshito website.