Zim to host JMI Global music conference in September

First held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1946, Zimbabwe will be the third African country to host the event after Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1998 and 2010, respectively. Other countries which have hosted the conference include Austria, Spain, Croatia, Germany, Canada, Poland, Argentina, Israel, China, Uruguay and the UK, among others.

With roots in Belgium, the event brings together the world of youth and music to explore the future, build bridges, strengthen collaborations amongst nations and provide a stage for the birth of new international music initiatives. About 70 members from different countries are expected in Harare, with a full line-up of speakers and artists to be announced soon.

The conference will feature different activities, including the JMI Annual General Assembly, music showcases, inspirational talks, networking, workshops and music site visits. The AGM is only open to JMI members, who will gather to shape the organisation’s future. Music Crossroads Zimbabwe, a member of JMI Global, will host the event.

“Hosting the JMI Global for the first time on Zimbabwean soil marks an important milestone in our organisation’s 78-year history,” JM International executive director Blasko Smilevski said. “We look forward to the many opportunities that hosting such an event in Africa can offer to our international work, providing distinct inspiration as to how we empower young people and children through music.”  

Music Crossroads Zimbabwe director Melody Zambuko told Music In Africa that hosting the event would enhance local understanding of the music business.

“It will place the organisation on the limelight, it will increase collaboration opportunities with various stakeholders nationally and even regionally and at a global level, partners will get a better understanding of what the Jeunesses Musicales International [JMI] network is about,” Zambuko said adding that Harare was ready for the event. “We have visited various hotels, venues, and conference facilities just to check our hospitality options. We have also engaged several stakeholders in government, civil society, and the private sector so as to get their buy-in. Our focus is to ensure that we give our visiting partners an authentic Zimbabwean experience when they come.”

Confirmed topics include Building your Global Audience in 2023, Bridging the Gender Divide, How to Lead an International Music Ensemble, Music in times of Crisis, Funding your Music, The Future of Music Producing, Monetise your Rights, Creating the Ultimate Performance and What Markets Want.

Zambuko said the topics for discussion were inspired by common areas of interest in the network such as digitalisation of music and decent work efforts for the music industry.

“They are also influenced by our desire as hosts to share our musical heritage through a panel on the mbira musical instrument. The programme is also inspired by the need to relate to the 10 priority pillars of the national music strategy recently launched. Artists and speakers are also coming from members of the JMI network and related strategic partners.”

As part of the JMI Global conference, top experts from Harare will connect with the local music scene to foster greater exposure to the global music market for young Zimbabwean musicians. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage, connect with the local music sector and discover the work done by Music Crossroads Zimbabwe Academy.

Click here and here for more information about JMI Global.