Stellar SA line-up to take centre stage at Global World Music gathering - MIDEM 2010Johannesburg (South Africa):- A line-up of award-winning, chart-topping and iconic artists was announced as the most public representative of South Africa’s ‘Country of Honour’ programme at MIDEM 2010.
Hotshot urban act Jozi, platinum pop outfit, The Parlotones, multi South African Music Award-winner Lira, critically acclaimed hip hop act ZuluBoy, magical diva Thandiswa Mazwai, Ndebele star, Nothembi, Afro-folk veteran, Vusi Mahlasela, SAMA-nominated flautist Wouter Kellerman, live favourite Tidal Waves, charismatic Kurt Darren, and the Maletangwao Cultural Troupe are among the artists who will fly the South African flag high at MIDEM 2010. They will be joined by Benin’s Angelique Kidjo, who is widely considered one of Africa’s most recognizable and gifted artists and who will add her unique flavour to collaboration with Mahlasela among others.
 
 “We are very excited about the artists line up which is a “fantastic” representation of South African music talent as well as the dynamic SA music delegation to France,” says Department of Arts and Culture’s Glenn Masokoane – Director: Cultural Development.
“We want to showcase the diversity of music that is created in our amazingly rich country and we believe that the artists who have been chosen to represent South Africa will do it admirably and with great effect,” comments Masokoane.
 
This is supported by Raphael Domalik, The Parlotones manager and CEO of Joburg-based indie, Sovereign Entertainment.
“The Parlotones are very excited to return to MIDEM in 2010,” says Domalik.
 
“We were at Midem earlier this year and now we are returning to officially represent South Africa in 2010. It’s great to be part of this incredible opportunity to profile South Africa to the rest of the global music world.” The Parlotones have already notched up an impressive slate of live dates and releases in Europe since 2009, underscoring their appeal to a global music market and the importance of being at MIDEM.
In an exciting development, the live performances will not be simply artist focused – but will also be presented under several themes to further add impact to South Africa’s status as Country of Honour at MIDEM 2010 which is unfolding under the banner, SOUTH AFRICA at MIDEM 2010 Celebrating Africa’s Music.
MIDEM 2010’s opening showcase night on January 24th featuring a main stage and an acoustic stage is set to be the most far-reaching through its location at the Martinez Hotel, traditionally one of the hottest spots at any MIDEM and open to all delegates. The artists will be supported by a backing band overseen by Themba Mkhize.
 
Mkhize will also take on the role of music director at the planned VIP dinner on January 25th. The theme of the January 25th event is a Tribute To Miriam Makeba and the award-winning pianist, composer, producer and music director is planning a world first special to honour the late icon.
The line-up of live artists is further boosted by the inclusion of prolific DJs Black Coffee, DJ Christos and DJ Static Plastic who will be spinning 100% homegrown music at the various events.
 
Says multi award-winning Lira, “As a musician one rarely has the opportunity to be part of two major global focus points in one year. Our country is honoured both culturally and sportingly in 2010. This is possibly the most important Year for Africa in the history of the modern world – my intentions are to soar on this world stage.”
 
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. 
• SOUTH 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
  
  Media in South Africa can book their slots to interview/film/photograph artists @ their SA rehearsals this Friday 15/01 2010. Accreditation is very limited and interviews must be pre-booked with Rami Nhlapo or Tselane Moleba on (011) 788 7631 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Artist showcase & 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 

• 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 
• Mangaliso Ngema – Singer, Actor, Voice Artist, Presenter and Guitarist,
  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 & Zulu Boy
• Themba Mkhize band and the tribute to the legends
• Themba Mkhize band & Kurt  Darren
• Themba Mkhize & Nothembi
• Jozi
• The Parlotones
• Thandiswa Mazwai
• SA Dj’s will be playing in between sets

26 January 2010

Tribute to Miriam Makeba, the Carlton Hotel 20:00

• Opening Song Mngoma (Accapela) 
• Themba’s Band & Thandiswa Mazwai 
• Zenzi 3 Songs  (Joly Nkomo, Ingwe Yamabala & Mama) 
• Themba’s Band & Vusi Mahlasela & Angelique Kidjo (Malaika) 
• Zenzi, Thandiswa Mazwai, Vusi Mahlasela & Angelique (Pata Pata)