The first ever #DStv iRock Music Industry Workshop

This year, the country’s most prominent music industry experts like Donald, Mubanga Malama, Sakhele Mzalazala, Thabiso Mokgwatlhe, and more will facilitate a workshop for musicians, music producers, record company owners, and artist managers on Friday, 22 September 2017 from 10:00 – 12:00 at Park Inn Polokwane.

These experts hail from different backgrounds with expertise in topics including: The business of music; how to set up and manage your own independent record label; how to manage artists and projects; how to make use of technology to market and sell your music; how to get airplay; how to distribute your music and deal with retailers; the impact of the internet on the music industry; and music publishing.

Rito Hlungwani, Founder and Director of the iRock Music Festivals, further explains: “The South African music industry is growing at a rapid rate, with new artists breaking onto the scene every day.”

“Now experienced role players in the industry will have an opportunity to pass on their knowledge through this workshop – letting the community in on how to produce, manage and market their music beyond their local area; and to help aspiring talent reach their dreams”.

Singer, producer, composer and businessman, Donald Moatshe will facilitate the section on Image management.

Donald’s hits include I Deserve; In Denial; Over the Moon; Your Joy; and Crazy but Amazing. Towards the end of 2016, he finally recorded his long-awaited Red Mic Xperience at Carnival City, and the DVD was released to critical acclaim soon after.

In May 2017, he released Africa’s first ever visual album, Something More, featuring mega stars like Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, Saso of DreamTeam and newcomer Floda.

Director and founder of 36ixty Media and Blaq Majik Films, Mr. Mubanga Malama, will speak about “the impact of technology and strategic thinking”. This media strategist has thrived in growing numerous businesses covering brand management, film production, digital distribution, public relations, event planning and IT networking solutions.

His career history includes content management and overseeing operations for Starfish Mobile Technology and Universal Music as Africa’s digital key account manager.

Sakhele Mzalazala will share his expertise on music publishing.

He is independent and runs Ulalelani Ungenamali, Koloni Musik and SLARA TRADING & PROJECTS (PTY) LTD focusing on arts education and development.

He has travelled to different regions in South Africa teaching music rights and business in arts and has worked with the SAPS, Lovelife, Arts and Culture Gauteng, Creative Lead, Imexsa and other organisations. Some of his career highlights include working on Sfiso Ncwane’s album, Bayede Baba; Gospel All Stars in Durban; Bebe Winans and Jonathan Butler in SA; and working as Head of Publishing for Ghetto Ruff.

?Thabiso Mogwathle, an expert in the fields of Publicity; Marketing Management; Brand Activation; and Promotion, will speak on music marketing and promotion.

Thabiso has worked with and groomed artists like Black Coffee, Dr Malinga, Donald, Big Nuz, Kelly Khumalo, Bantu Soul, Winnie Khumalo, Revolution, Kabomo, Mafikizolo, to mention a few.

Brenden Maseko, former content manager for Spice Digital, where he was overseeing South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will facilitate this part of the workshop.

Brenden has worked and consulted for Essential Publishing, Campus Times (Shareholder), Jemza Records (Co-founder), Sting Music, Universal Music Group, Township Records, Spice Digital, and more.

Attendance is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, follow DStv iRock on social media: @iROCKmusicfest #DStviRock; or visit the Facebook page: irockmusicfestival.

This year’s iRock Limpopo Music Festival is presented by DStv in association with Standard Bank, Hunters, Polokwane Local Municipality, Mall of the North, Limpopo Tourism Agency and Daily Sun.