Minister of Arts and Culture prepares to present SA music to the world
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana, is preparing to present South African music to the world as a full delegation of officials, musicians and music industry representatives head for the French city of Cannes for the 44th annual MIDEM. Regarded globally as the world's largest music industry trade fair, this year’s event gives a very special place to South African music and its industry with the country being named MIDEM’s Country of Honour in 2010. As part of a full programme of events kicking off on Sunday, January 24th, Minister Xingwana will address a press conference attended by representatives of the global music industry media. Minister Xingwana will address the challenges facing the South African music industry as well as introduce many of the performing artists in attendance at MIDEM. Included in this line-up is Afro-soul, multi award-winner, Lira, acclaimed hip hop act ZuluBoy, roots music diva Thandiswa Mazwai, Ndebele star, Nothembi, Afro-folk veteran, Vusi Mahlasela, SAMA-nominated flautist Wouter Kellerman, live reggae favourite Tidal Waves, Afrikaans pop star Kurt Darren, and the Maletangwao Cultural Troupe. These South African artists – long with Benin’s Angelique Kidjo – will be performing for members of the worldwide music industry at MIDEM 2010’s opening party on the evening of January 24th. The music director for the two stages at this prestigious event is award-winning jazz pianist, composer and producer, Themba Mkhize. Mkhize reveals he has prepared a music programme that draws on both South Africa’s diverse historical roots and the contemporary era. “It’s a potpourri of musical genres from Isicathimiaya to Afro Pop, Hip- Hop, Afro-jazz and much more,” Mkhize says. “The showcase is a melting pot of the old and what young South Africa has to offer. It’s also a tribute to all the music genres that have formed we who are today – not just the struggle songs and songs of freedom that many people know but Afrikaans songs, Ndebele songs and much more. Adds Mkhize, “Having such a diverse lineup of artists to convey South Africa’s multi-faceted music past and present is a magical experience, and is going to go down brilliantly with the international music industry I am sure!” Another key part of South Africa’s high-profile MIDEM presence is a two-hour focused music industry conference that takes place in Auditorium K, Level 4 between 3 and 5pm on Sunday January 24th. Participants represent South Africa’s global music industry and its cultural industries with panelists Sello Galane, (Maestro Musician, Academic and Entrepreneur), Sipho Sithole (Strategist, Management Executive, Distinguished Producer of multi-award winning artists, Member of DAC Advisor Committee), Guy Henderson (Senior Vice President, Sony / ATV Music Publishing), Rob Hooijier (Director for Africa Affairs at CISAC), Michelle Constant (Chief Executive Officer at Business and Arts South Africa), Ralph Simon (CEO, The Mobilium International Advisory Group) and Mangaliso Ngema –(Singer, Actor, Voice Artist, Presenter and Guitarist) addressing a range of issues facing the South African and African music industry. Says Department of Arts and Culture’s Glenn Masokoane – Director: Cultural Development, “Between the brilliant live music and the serious business of music to be tackled by the mini-music conference, South Africa is going to be in the spotlight during this very important global music industry event.” The South African presence at MIDEM 2010 will be further enhanced by a stand in the main Pavilion in Cannes. This will be used to showcase South African music, labels and organisations to delegates at MIDEM as well as by South African music industry representatives as a place to hold meetings and connect with their global counterparts. Note to Editor
MIDEM (short for Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) is the world's largest music industry trade fair. It offers a chance for music professionals from across the industry meet face to face to do business, analyse trends and build partnerships.
S’OUTH AFRICA at MIDEM 2010 - Celebrating Africa’s Music’ will take centre stage at MIDEM with a focused country conference and the Opening Night Showcase. The event will showcase some of the country’s brightest stars with a ‘Tribute to the Legends’ featuring exclusive artist collaborations, and the ‘South African backing band’ directed by Themba Mkhize.
MIDEM 2010 will be the 44th edition of the event.
2009 saw 8,000 participants, 4,000 companies, 80 countries and 450 journalists from 300 media organisations attend.
In addition to the market/exhibition area, MIDEM stages numerous live concerts for artists ranging from pop, rock, jazz, classic and a complete programme of high-profile conferences that cover all the latest industry issues and developments.
South Africa is the 2010 MIDEM country of honour.
The South African delegation is made up of industry bodies, government officials, artists, practitioners, industry specialists, record companies and music industry interest groups.
Proudly South African cuisine, food, crafts, design, décor, fashion, music made by South Africans in all disciplines will be showcased during MIDEM 2010 flying the SA flag high for the international music industry.
Artist Showcase and key event SA highlights @ MIDEM 2010 Sunday, January 24th
Press Conference - Blue Lounge between 11:00 – 12:00
Keynote Address by Minister of Arts and Culture Minister Ms.Lulu Xingwana
The Music Industry Conference - Auditorium K, Level 4 15:00 – 17:00
The SA Opening Night Party will be held at the Martinez between 20:00 - 23.30 Acoustic Stage
Maletangwao Cultural Troupe
Tidal Waves
Lira
Wouter Kellerman
Vusi Mahlasela
Ballroom Stage
Themba Mkhize band and the tribute to the legends
Themba Mkhize band & Zulu Boy
Themba Mkhize band & Kurt Darren
Themba Mkhize & Nothembi
Jozi
The Parlotones
Thandiswa Mazwai
DJs will be playing in between sets
For more information please Contact JT Communications Solutions
Vanessa Perumal Mobile: +27 (0) 83 268 1446, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Tselane Moleba Mobile: +27 (0) 71 637 5378, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Rami Nhlapo Mobile +27 (0) 83 288 7148, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) www.jtcomms.co.za Tel: +27 (0) 11 788 7631/2, Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of the Department of Arts and Culture. www.dac.org.za For more information about MIDEM: http://www.midem.com
