New leaders at Moshito helm

The outgoing chair has set the course as the new executive takes the helm at Moshito. The conference is expected to grow, with increased funding on the way.
LOOKING at the year ahead, the Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition has appointed a new executive following the organisation’s annual general meeting.

moshito sideThe incoming executive is made up of King Phatudi-Mphahlele, as the chairperson; Tholsi Pillay, the vice-chairperson; Sipho Sithole, the treasurer; Musa Manzini, an executive member; and Lee Walters, the general manager.

Although they were eligible, the outgoing chair, Andre le Roux, as well as directors Peter Tladi and Sbu Tshabalala, did not make themselves available for reappointment. The meeting took place on 30 November at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown.

Now in its eighth year, Moshito is focused even more keenly on its objective of broadening the business intelligence of music industry professionals in the country and on the continent. It also aims to strengthen business networks for participants and educate delegates, traders and the public about the multifaceted and dynamic nature of the global music industry.

Moshito member organisations include the Association of Independent Recording Companies (Airco), Composers Association of South Africa (Casa), Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA), Music Managers Forum of South Africa (MMFSA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), and National Organisation for Reproduction Rights in Music (Norm), as well as the South African Music Promoters Association (Sampa).

After three years at the helm, the outgoing chairman, Le Roux, who is also the Samro endowment general manager, reflected on the positives and strategic opportunities in place that made Moshito “an exciting prospect”.

Live music
He said there was stability within the organisation. Moshito was recognised as a brand nationally and internationally, and there was a strong focus on live music. Promises by the Department of Arts and Culture to include Moshito in its Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy and increase its funding allocation would be a major boost.

Another positive was the inclusion of Moshito in the provincial government’s planning, as was interest shown by the Caribbean and Colombia to develop south-south partnerships and networks.

“Lastly, there are strong continental networks built through programmes and networks such as Equations’ Musique on the continent and including the Caribbean; and the Indian Ocean Music Network which gives a continental reach to this, the premier African music market,” he said.

Le Roux had warm words for his successor, Phatudi-Mphahlele. “The ship is now in your custody … you have a strong crew who can steer this ship through stormy waters.

“I also hope that you acknowledge that the ship is on course and that the owners of the ship – the music industry at large – is watching the radar and tracking every movement of the ship and its cargo and if you need assistance or to discuss the direction you are welcome to contact previous captains,” he said.

“Thanks for the many good memories and I wish the new chairman, the new executive and the incoming board strength and courage as they steer Moshito over the terrain or waters that lie ahead.”

Directors
The board of directors for the coming year includes:

King Phatudi-Mphahlele, the Moshito chairperson, representing Norm;
Tholsi Pillay, the vice-chairperson, representing MMFSA;
Sipho Sithole, the treasurer, representing Samro;
Musa Manzini, an executive member, representing Casa;
Simon Sibanda, from Norm;
Mhlanganisi Masoga, from Samro;
Steve Mashiya, from Sampa;
Sam Mhangwani, from Sampa;
Oupa Lebogo, from CWUSA;
Mangaliso Ngema, from CWUSA;
Ron Brettel; from Casa;
George Lusenga, from Airco; and
Vusi Leeuw, from Airco.
Moshito has its roots in the South African Music Industry Co-operation Initiative, which was formed in 2003 in response to several pressing issues affecting the South Africa industry as a whole.

For the first time, a wide cross-section of industry stakeholders joined forces to focus on several key areas – in particular, music piracy; the need to develop music markets for South African music, especially beyond the country’s borders; and the urgent need to create a social benefit and welfare programme for musicians.

Moshito is endorsed and sponsored by the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival, as well as the national Department of Arts and Culture and the National Arts Council, among other local and international organisations. The annual conference and exhibition is organised in partnership with the Gauteng provincial department of sport, arts, culture and recreation.