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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

FROM Wednesday to Friday, the Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Business Conference will set the stage for an unforgettable festival experience at The Venue in Harare. 

The event will kick off in style with a captivating keynote address from South Africa’s beloved musical icon, Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga.

The festival, running three days, will start on Friday and conclude on Sunday at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare. 

In a recent interview, festival manager Tariro NeGitare, expressed her enthusiasm for the annual Music Business Conference, a cornerstone of the event where industry experts will gather to chart the course for the arts.

“I’m particularly excited about the Music Business Conference which will showcase some of the industry thought leaders. Discussions will centre on key issues for industry growth and best practices in the region,” she said.

The “Princess of Africa” herself, Chaka Chaka, will be joined by distinguished figures such as J Something, Ignacio Priego from the Spanish Embassy, Rebecca Archer from the US Embassy, Simran Baines from Canada, Mantwa Chinoamadi from Stanbic Joy of Jazz, and a host of local creatives. Chaka Chaka, with her remarkable 30-year career, brings a wealth of experience to the festival.

Beyond her musical prowess, Chaka Chaka’s commitment to the industry shines through her organisation of the Backing Vocalists and Session Musicians Awards (BVSM Awards) via her Princess of Africa Foundation. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to a crockery venture, offering an array of plates, cups, and other dining essentials.

During the Music Business Conference, artists will receive invaluable guidance on navigating the intricacies of the creative economy. Notable topics on the agenda include discussions on future music business models, preserving creative legacies, shaping the industry’s future, embracing music technology and innovation, building a robust music business support network, harnessing the influence of media, and nurturing creativity.

Furthermore, attendees can look forward to engaging master classes on live music touring and crafting electronic press kits (EPKs). This festival promises to be an educational and inspirational journey for all those passionate about the world of music and the creative arts.

This year’s Festival will feature local, regional and international flair, with the line-up having Jason Le Roux, Mannex Motsi, Tamy Moyo, Those Guys Vacho, Chiwedda DJ, and Murumba Pitch, Ami Faku, Black Motion, Sylent Nqo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Meet N Jam with Willom Tight, Mateo, and Dino Mudondo, Ex Q, Norman Masamba, Samuel Cosmic, King Her, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vera, and NicholaaZW, Vuyo Brown, Sun El Musician, Alexio Kawasaki and The Shades of Black, Judith Sephuma, Intotal Band, Blackherd, Ammara Brown, Ndlovu Youth Choir, Gary Tight, and Gwevedzi.