As one can imagine, creating a common space for industry giants is no child’s play. Yet Founder and Director of The Music Imbizo Sphe Mbhele managed to yet again pull this year’s annual Music Imbizo off for the fourteenth time, bringing life and activity into the City of Durban.
Sylent Nqo from Zimbabwe performing at The Werehouse in Durban, September (2022)
From the 6th until the 11th of September 2022 Durban was home to the likes of Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa at Sony Music UK), Osmic Monoe (The founder of the SA Hip Hop Awards and Back To The City Festival), Cameroonian superstar Mr Leo, Zimbabwean artist Sylent Nqo (also known as the Guitar Sangoma), Roots2000 and others. The six day music conference included Guest Speakers, “How To Submit Music” Sessions and Information Stalls occupied by industry organizations such as SAMPRA and CAPASSO.
Roots2000 who are Sliq Angel and MXO (2022)
While the daytime program was a bit more studious, the night saw a Music Film Festival being held at KZNSA Art Gallery for a couple of days as well as Live Music Gigs across a number of the city’s favourite venues such as The Chairman, The Werehouse and Robertsons Real Beer Brewery in Point Waterfront. One of the films that really caught our eye was Bokoso: Afrobeats of Cuba created by the Jacobs-Fantauzzi brothers, Khalil and Eli from Puerto Rico, who told the story of migration and cultural influences that gave rise to what is today known as Afro Beat.
Having international energy in the city always feels like a breath of fresh air, something like how the city felt in 2010 during the Soccer World Cup. Of course there are those of us who secretly wish we could have this type of energy permeating through our streets and venues on a more regular basis.
For more information on The Music Imbizo 2023 visit the website https://www.themusicimbizo.co.za/
A panel of music professionals at The Durban Playhouse during The Music Imbizo (2022)