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In a landmark event for the East Rand music scene, King Fundama Media partnered with Nefertiti Communications, Andrie Cooper, and 5shaft to present the East Originals Masterclass, an initiative designed to empower local musicians. Held at Local Lifestyle Lounge and expertly facilitated by Bongani Xaba, this masterclass brought together industry professionals who shared their invaluable knowledge and experience with aspiring artists. This event marked a significant moment of growth for the local music community, setting the stage for future success.
The East Originals Masterclass was defined by its impressive roster of panelists, each of whom brought a unique perspective on the music industry: —Bhoza Mphela – Legal Frameworks for Creatives From Lawyers for the Arts, Bhoza Mphela led a crucial session on the legal aspects of the music business, covering topics such as contracts, copyright law, and intellectual property protection. Her insights gave attendees a better understanding of how to safeguard their creative work and navigate the often-complex legal landscape of the industry.
Luyanda Mbhele – Navigating Industry Dynamics Luyanda Mbhele, Label Manager at The Orchard, shared his extensive industry knowledge, focusing on trends in music distribution, digital platforms, and building strategic partnerships. His advice helped musicians understand how to position themselves for success in a fast-changing industry and leverage digital tools to expand their reach.
Jombana Lamula – Mastering Radio and Music Programming Radio 2000 music compiler Jombana Lamula offered essential guidance on how artists can pitch their music to radio stations and increase their chances of airplay. He provided a behind-the-scenes look at how music is selected for radio, giving attendees the knowledge they need to break into this important space.
Unathi Memela – Global Strategies for Artists Unathi Memela, a seasoned content producer for television and talent manager with expertise across Africa, offered a global perspective on artist management. Specializing in genres like Gospel, Traditional Music, Jazz, Hip Hop, Maskandi, and Scathamiya, Memela emphasized the Memela stressed that artists need to position their managers as strategists, working to align with brands that offer resources such as transport, venue access, accommodation, and technical support in exchange for brand exposure. She highlighted the importance of researching branding alignment to ensure successful collaborations. Her session underscored the value of offering companies brand exposure in return for financial or equipment support during touring, focusing on building relationships that extend beyond South Africa and into the global market.
Each of these experts brought a wealth of experience, and together, they covered the critical aspects of music creation, distribution, management, and touring in today’s globalized industry. With the support of partners like King Fundama Media, Andrie Cooper, and 5shaft, the East Originals Masterclass went beyond simple presentations—it created a space for meaningful engagement. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions, interact with panelists, and receive real-time feedback on how to advance their careers. This kind of direct interaction with industry leaders is invaluable for emerging musicians.
Additionally, the event provided a powerful networking platform. Musicians were able to meet peers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators, making connections that could lead to future projects and opportunities. The relationships formed here are set to have lasting impacts on the local music scene.The East Originals Masterclass has laid the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable East Rand music industry. By focusing on both the creative and business aspects of being a musician, the event empowered attendees with the tools to manage their careers effectively. With the continued support of partners like King Fundama Media, Andrie Cooper, and 5shaft, the Masterclass has the potential to inspire a new wave of professional, business-savvy musicians in the region.As attendees implement the insights gained from this event, the East Rand is poised to see more growth in its music industry, creating a stronger, more connected community of artists.The East Originals Masterclass was a pivotal moment for East Rand musicians, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and connections necessary to build sustainable careers. Thanks to the partnerships with King Fundama Media, Nefertiti Communications, Andrie Cooper, and 5shaft, the event has set the stage for continued growth and development in the local music scene. As the East Rand music community continues to evolve, this masterclass will be remembered as a key catalyst for shaping its future.
We really appreciate the IMBIZO MAGAZINE for put the East on the move with the the timeless informative information… As continue hear from the the universe… More blessings.