Zakes connects business and music
JOBURG - Popular musician Zakes Bantwini helps young, aspiring entertainers to break into the cutthroat music industry with the aim to find the massive untapped potential in the country.
Bantwini, who also happens to be executive head of artists and repertoire at Sony Music South Africa, has partnered with a number of industry heavyweights to host ‘The Business of Music’ forum on 26 May.
“Music is not just about entertainment, it’s an artform that speaks to society about life struggles and achievements, love, religion, government and more importantly, for those it supports, music is a business and it must make money and sustain itself,” says Bantwini, platinum selling artist and producer.
The aim of the forum is to start discussions between the industry, supporters and potential musicians about the in’s and out’s of the music industry.
The forum also aims to inform the greater public that, although talent is a cornerstone for succeeding in any industry, it is not just enough to be talented and requires a business mind to establish a firm foundation in the industry.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry has observed that the main issue with the music industry in South Africa is under-performance, which has come about as a result of under-development in the country.
Although the industry has encountered many challenges, it has also seen a significant rise in the number of artists – a promising sign for local music.
Bantwini’s Mayonie Productions together with the Gordon Institute of Business Science will host The Business of Music on 26 May from 6pm to 7.30pm. Bantwini will be joined by a panel of music industry experts, including Danny K, Mi Casa’s lead singer, J Something, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather SA, Abbey Mokgwatsane and Sony Music Africa CEO, Sean Watson.
Details: 011 771 4390;
