SA: Music Exchange 2023 is here!

MEX is a non-profit organisation seeking to positively impact the entertainment industry, and as part of this year’s edition, creatives will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills on fostering prosperity and sustainability.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Caldecott Music Group CEO and founder Meng Ru Kuok (US), international talent manager Marc Marot (UK) and film score composer Trevor Jones (UK).

South African music publicist Martin Myers will welcome guests and will be followed by keynote speaker Marot, who will talk about the old versus new when it comes to signing talent.

Up next will be a panel discussion titled Economics of Radio, which will be hosted by Neil Johnson. Other featured guests on the day include musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse (South Africa), communications specialist Gasant Abarder (South Africa) and audio producer Spike Ballantine (South Africa).

Day 2 proceedings will begin with a welcome note from Myers and Mabuse, followed by keynote address by Kuok and a Q&A session by Marot, who will explore how accessible technologies have revolutionised music creation.

Other topics to be discussed on the day include How Is This Growth Shaking up the Traditional Music Industry?, What are the Creative Challenges and Opportunities Ahead? and The Unstoppable Rise of AI.

American jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan will also share his personal journey, while the Southern African Music Rights Organisation’s Karabo Senna will educate attendees about music royalty growth. This will be followed by an open forum facilitated by music publisher John Fishlock (South Africa) on a topic titled AI… It’s Not Going Away. How Do We Work With It? A Publisher’s Perspective.

The third day of MEX will feature different panel discussions led by writer and producer Siphokazi Jonas (South Africa) and music manager Lesley Wells (South Africa) who will interview Marot about the manager’s role in the modern entertainment space.

Attendees will be treated to live music with performances from local acts including the Community Philharmonic Orchestra, The Lady Day Big Band, Chad Saaiman, YoungstaCPT, Paxton, Seth Grey, Sarah-Jane Thomas, Kyle Shepherd, Donveno Prins, Cameron Ward, Jimmy Dludlu and Jonathan Rubain as well as The Black Ties (Scotland) and Stanley Jordan (US).

Tickets to the event are available here.