Swaziland’s Arts Round Table to mark MTN Bushfire's 10th anniversary

Managed in conjunction with the Swaziland National Council of Arts & Culture, ART provides a forum for knowledge & skills share with leading industry professionals whilst fostering exchange and regional networking opportunities. In line with MTN Bushfire’s 10th anniversary, this year’s Arts Round Table celebrates the local industries collective milestones, highlighting both our success stories & challenges.

Panel discussions will address "The Artist Story.” These discussions will center on branding oneself, developing the brand and artists’ creative freedom – giving views from artist perspective and the managerial perspective. Time will also be set aside for networking on the day. This allows for all artist to get connected to fellow artists and managers, to assist in growing their brand and craft.

Guest speaker DJ Zinhle will share the story of her monumental rise as a female DJ in a talk entitled “Growing in the music industry”. DJ Zinhle, who first emerged on the scene in 2004, is one of South Africa’s leading DJs; as well as an actress and a media personality.

Local duo Siyinqaba will share their story of success and what it takes to break through into the local music industry in their talk “Siyinqaba: Building the fortress”. The hip-hop act comprises KrTC and Mozaik, who joined forces to put Swazi music on the international map.

In line with this year’s theme, representatives of African Music Development Programme and Music In Africa will give presentations on growing the arts as well as facilitating a networking session on the day. The AMDP is a programme that supports institutions and professionals in the music sector with the objective of increasing job opportunities in the sector. Music in Africa will use the opportunity to showcase the work of the foundation as well as the website as an information and exchange portal for anyone involved or interested in African music to access and share useful information, find and connect with other professionals, as well as discover African music.

The 2016 Art Round Table takes place at the Malkerns Country Club on Friday 27 May from 9am to 3pm. The main festival kicks off that evening and continues until Sunday 29 May.