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National Music Industry Summit brings Conversations Guiding Botswana’s Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) Sector Towards Commercialisation – Music Industry Pilot
The culture and creative industries (CCI) sector plays a significant role in driving economic growth and fostering cultural identity. Recognizing the potential of the music industry in Botswana, a symposium titled “Guiding Botswana’s CCI Sector Towards Commercialization – Music Industry Pilot” was held to provide valuable insights and strategies for artists and stakeholders to thrive in the industry. Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Culture in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Botswana, the symposium aimed to enhance the commercialization of Botswana’s music industry and empower local artists to succeed on both national and international platforms.
The symposium kicked off with opening remarks by Dean Molebatsi, a Policy Specialist in Arts and Culture from the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Culture. Molebatsi highlighted the importance of the CCI sector and its potential to drive economic development and foster cultural diversity in Botswana.
Clément Boutillier from the European Union Delegation to Botswana introduced the project, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between Botswana and the European Union in promoting the growth of the CCI sector.
Assistant Minister Hon. Honest Buti Billy from the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Culture delivered a keynote address, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the music industry and creating an enabling environment for artists to thrive.
Shombi Ellis, CEO of the National Arts Council Botswana, outlined the objectives of the project and the symposium, which aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and equip artists with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate its complexities.
The first topic of discussion focused on understanding the music industry. Key aspects such as the music industry value chain, the role of key actors like producers, studios, and management, and the involvement of organizations like COSBOTS, NACB, and MYSC were explored. The panel discussion, moderated by Zuziwe Mavuma, featured industry experts including Benza (MD, Vth Season – Music Label), Sivu Mfenyana (Label Manager, Sony), Zenzele Hirschfeld (Zenzele Promotions), and Suffocate (Roc Lefatshe Records, Brand Slice, Khawa Visuals & Studio Africa). The panelists discussed refining talent through education and skills development, funding avenues for capacity development, barriers to entry, and strategies to increase competitiveness in the industry.
The second topic focused on copyright and ownership, covering areas such as music publishing, intellectual property, and national and international perspectives. The panel discussion, moderated by Akhutleleng Kekaletswe, included experts such as Bongani Mdakane (Director, Mdakane Attorneys Inc.), Karabo Senna (GM: Licensing, SAMRO), Damien Bigot (Expertise France), Patrick Matlapeng (COSBOTS), and Bathusi Lesolobe (Palm Consult (PTY) LTD). The panelists shed light on the importance of copyright protection, licensing, and the legal aspects of the music industry.
Contractual agreements took center stage in the third topic, with discussions on key laws in the music industry and the licensing of artist music. Eddie Mhingo moderated the panel discussion, which included Bongani Mdakane, Wendy Bekker (MD of Ditto Music – Music Aggregator and Label), and Mr. Chilume. The panelists provided insights into the legal aspects of the music industry, including contractual agreements and licensing processes.
Monetizing music through various channels was the focus of the fourth topic. The panel discussion, moderated by Zuziwe Mavuma, featured industry experts including Benza, Thabo (MD, Mino Music), Damien Bigot, Violet Maila (Music In Africa Foundation), and Suffocate. The panelists explored different avenues for monetizing music, such as digital platforms, events, teaching, the formal and informal economy, and brand partnerships and sponsorships. They also addressed the challenges faced by artists when trying to monetize their music, with a focus on Botswana.
Topic five delved into PR elements for artists, including establishing their brand, leveraging social media for marketing, networking, and understanding PR do’s and don’ts. Moderated by Akhutleleng Kekaletswe, the panel discussion featured Thabo, Sivu Mfenyana (Label Manager, Sony South Africa), and Boogie-Sid.
The final topic centered around collaboration in the music industry, including identifying strategic partners and the types of partnerships that can be formed. The panel discussion, moderated by Eddie Mhingo, included Sivu Mfenyana, Karabo Senna, Mpho Sebina (Music Artist), and Han-C. The panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and insights into collaborative efforts in the music industry.
Throughout the symposium, breakout sessions were held to allow participants to delve deeper into specific topics, including understanding the music industry and contractual agreements. These sessions provided a platform for interactive discussions and allowed participants to gain practical knowledge and skills.
The symposium concluded with an overview of the day by the Master of Ceremonies, followed by a presentation of a policy brief by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA). The policy brief highlighted key recommendations and strategies to guide the commercialization of Botswana’s music industry.
By providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and skill development, the “Guiding Botswana’s CCI Sector Towards Commercialization – Music Industry Pilot” symposium aimed to empower local artists and stakeholders in Botswana’s music industry. The insights and strategies shared during the symposium will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the music industry, paving the way for a vibrant and thriving creative economy in Botswana.
Bangu and Scar have announced their latest album, “Tonki le Kwena,” promising a game-changing musical experience. With their unique styles and prowess, backed by ButiOnTheTrack’s expert production, this project is primed to let fans in on what the artists have in their bag in 2024.
Featuring collaborations with Ban-T and Licky, “Tonki le Kwena” drops this April, Bangu and Scar, two respected eMCees in their own right, revealed that their collaborative masterpiece is finally primed and ready to hit the airwaves. But what makes “Tonki le Kwena” stand out from the crowd? It waits to be seen, and you’ll be in among the first to sample it when it drops
On the 7th of March 2024, the Main Deck Main Mall in Botswana became the epicenter of creative energy and strategic vision as Zeus, the multifaceted artist and filmmaker, unveiled his highly anticipated album ‘War and Peace: Disc 1 War’ alongside a compelling showcase of his Film and TV Production work. The event, meticulously curated to blend entertainment with enlightenment, drew a diverse crowd comprising promoters, high-profile musicians, agencies, the general public, and esteemed members of the media.
As the evening unfolded, attendees were treated to a dynamic array of experiences, each designed to captivate, inspire, and foster meaningful connections. Kicking off with a Welcome Reception, guests were invited to register and partake in welcome drinks, setting the stage for an evening of immersive exploration.
The event host’s Opening Remarks not only introduced the agenda but also set the tone for the night’s festivities. Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation, Zeus took center stage to perform a selection of songs from his new album, showcasing his unparalleled talent and electrifying the audience with his magnetic presence.
A noteworthy addition to the program was a brief speaking moment by partner BW Jobs For Graduates, shedding light on how creative businesses can leverage skills capital. This insightful perspective added depth to the discussions, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between creativity and economic empowerment.
The evening continued with a Live DJ Mix featuring tracks from Zeus’s new album, providing guests with an immersive musical experience that underscored the album’s thematic resonance. Meanwhile, the showcase of Zeus’s Film and TV Production work offered a glimpse into his artistic vision, complemented by a Q&A session that invited dialogue and reflection on the creative process.
A poignant highlight of the event was the presentation of the ‘Climate Change in Botswana’ Docuseries, which not only raised awareness about pressing environmental issues but also underscored the power of storytelling to inspire action and drive positive change. With stakeholders sharing their perspectives and the audience engaging in thoughtful discourse, the docuseries presentation left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Throughout the evening, networking zones buzzed with animated conversations as attendees exchanged ideas, forged connections, and explored potential collaborations. From media representatives capturing key moments to high-profile musicians lending their support, the diverse attendee mix enriched the experience and underscored the event’s significance within the creative community.
As the event drew to a close, Closing Remarks expressed gratitude to guests and partners, while also extending an invitation to continue networking and exploring opportunities for collaboration. With Zeus’s performance echoing in their minds and a newfound sense of inspiration in their hearts, attendees departed with a renewed appreciation for the power of creativity to shape narratives, spark dialogue, and drive meaningful change.
In retrospect, Zeus’s ‘War and Peace: Disc 1 War’ 2024 Strategy Rollout Launch Mixer was more than just an album launch; it was a celebration of artistic excellence, a platform for thought leadership, and a testament to the transformative power of creative expression.
The collaborative effort between the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and Goethe-Institut has culminated in the release of a compelling documentary titled “Sound Connects Us.” This documentary sheds light on a multitude of cultural endeavors undertaken across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, made possible through the backing of the Sound Connects Fund (SCF).
Spanning a duration of 40 months, the SCF provided support to 36 organizations throughout Southern Africa, facilitating the successful execution of developmental cultural projects in nations such as Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Central to the fund’s ethos was the universal allure of ‘sound’ as a guiding principle.
Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of MIAF, expressed the profound impact of the SCF, noting its role in propelling the foundation into various artistic domains, including film, visual arts, gaming, and animation. He lauded the remarkable achievements witnessed across the SADC region, encapsulated within the documentary’s compelling narrative.
The documentary serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of the SCF in fortifying the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Southern Africa. Through immersive visuals, viewers are transported across the region, encountering cultural initiatives in Angola, eSwatini, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, complemented by insights from SCF implementers based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A crew filming an indigenous community in Botswana through a project funded by the Sound Connects Fund. Photo: Quihaba FX
Commencing in Maputo, Mozambique, where the Sound Connects Conference took place, the documentary offers a glimpse into the motivations and aspirations driving these transformative projects. It not only showcases the final outcomes but also highlights the change-makers who propelled these initiatives forward across the region.
Carolin Christgau, Head of Culture and Development at Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, reflected on the profound journey undertaken through the Sound Connects Fund, emphasizing the newfound insights into the creative landscapes of the SADC region. The documentary, she hopes, will illuminate the diversity and creativity experienced throughout this endeavor, inspiring further engagement from both individuals and governments to bolster the potential of the CCIs.
Between 2020 and 2024, the MIAF and Goethe-Institut spearheaded the implementation of the Sound Connects Fund, a monumental initiative aimed at enhancing the cultural and creative sectors in Southern Africa. This documentary offers a glimpse into the initiative’s impact across nine countries, supported by the ACP-EU Culture Programme, under the auspices of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
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