Muziki Africa 2024: A Confluence of Global Sounds and Emerging Trends

Muziki Africa 2024: A Confluence of Global Sounds and Emerging Trends

As the global music industry continues to evolve, Africa stands at the forefront of innovation and cultural influence. Muziki Africa 2024, a key event at FAME Week Africa, promises to be a melting pot of ideas, sounds, and industry insights. This year’s content programme is designed to address the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities in the African and global music scenes. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

Tuesday, 3 September

Welcome and Industry Outlook
The day kicks off with a warm welcome, followed by a deep dive into the future of the global music market. In a session titled "A Changing Industry - What Lies Ahead for the Global Music Market?", industry veterans will explore how the music landscape is expected to evolve over the next decade. From live performance to streaming, and from merchandising to content production, the session will provide invaluable insights into what the future holds for music professionals worldwide.

Beats Beyond Borders
"Nigerian Music’s Global Success" will take center stage as experts unpack the factors behind its meteoric rise. This discussion will shed light on the strategies and cultural elements that have propelled Nigerian music to the forefront of global attention, making it a case study in international success.

Screening of 6SENSE: Breaking Barriers
The day’s highlights include the screening of "6SENSE: Breaking Barriers - The Transformative Power of Music and Technology," a documentary about Mxshi Mo, a visually impaired music producer from South Africa. The film narrates his journey from exclusion to empowerment through the power of electronic dance music and the transformative role of technology.

Mastering Sync Licensing
For those interested in the business side of music, the "Mastering Sync Licensing" workshop offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how music is selected and placed in films, TV shows, and commercials. The session, sponsored by MPASA, promises to be a visual and informative treat.

The Power of Music Videos
An engaging Q&A session with renowned South African music video director Kyle Lewis will explore the role of music videos in elevating African artists on the global stage. This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in visual storytelling and the intersection of music and branding.

AI and the Music Industry
Artificial Intelligence’s impact on the music industry is a hot topic, and this session will explore whether AI is a threat or an opportunity for musicians. With panelists from diverse backgrounds, the discussion will provide a balanced view of how AI is reshaping the creative process.

The Art of Film Scoring
Another session worth noting is "The Art of Film Scoring: From Concept to Screen," where attendees will learn about the critical role of music in film, from the initial concept to the final product. Sponsored by MPASA, this session will feature insights from renowned composers and directors.

Online Distribution Essentials
The day concludes with a comprehensive session on "Online Distribution Essentials." This session will arm attendees with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital distribution landscape, craft effective marketing strategies, and ensure their music reaches a global audience.

Wednesday, 4 September

Who's Listening? African Music's Global Influence
The second day opens with a session titled "Who's Listening? A Look at the Consumption of African Music Around the World," which will delve into the demographics, interests, and platforms driving the global popularity of African music.

Breaking into New Markets
The session "How Independent African Artists Are Using Digital Tools to Break into New Markets" will highlight how independent artists are leveraging digital tools to grow their audiences and expand their reach into new markets.

Navigating Artist Management
"Navigating Artist Management" will explore the evolving role of artist managers in today’s digital music landscape, providing insights into new business models and opportunities.

ON AIR: The Visual Album
A special presentation of South Africa’s first visual album by RnB artist Filah Lah Lah will take attendees on a journey through the artist's subconscious, offering a unique blend of music and visual storytelling.

Music Licensing in Advertising, Film, and Production
Finally, the session on "The Landscape of Music Licensing in Advertising, Film, and Production" will explore how technological advancements have changed the industry and what this means for the future of music licensing.

Muziki Africa 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking event, offering a platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and explore the future of music in Africa and beyond. Whether you’re a musician, producer, manager, or simply a music enthusiast, this is an event you won’t want to miss.