Music Exchange (MEX)

Music Exchange (MEX) is a South African non-profit initiative and conference platform dedicated to empowering and educating professionals across the music, film, and entertainment industries. It is widely recognised as one of South Africa’s leading independent creative-economy forums, offering masterclasses, workshops, and an annual summit that brings together artists, producers, managers, rights-holders, brands and policymakers. 

The conference was founded by Martin Myers of Triple M Entertainment. It officially began in 2009 (or very early 2010) as a means to provide strategic advice, professional development and networking for the South African creative and entertainment economy. Over time, MEX has grown in scope, depth and influence, marking major milestones such as its 15th annual summit in 2025. 

• Mission: To equip creatives — artists, producers, managers, content creators, technologists and rights-holders — with practical knowledge, strategic insight and meaningful networks so they can build sustainable careers and businesses in a rapidly changing entertainment economy. 

• Vision: To foster a robust, inclusive and internationally-connected creative economy in South Africa (and beyond) where talent is supported, rights are respected, revenue models are understood and industry-stakeholders collaborate effectively. Mentorship, innovation and commercial viability are central. 

• MEX has hosted many globally recognised speakers and industry leaders, including the likes of Grammy-winning producer Bryan Michael Cox, composer Dr Trevor Jones, and senior executives from top music labels and rights organisations. 

• The summit for 2025 — labelled “#MEX25: Global Verse – Music & Culture Summit” — celebrates 15 years of MEX’s influence and innovation, and brings together cross-sector actors to address how creatives can navigate and thrive in the modern entertainment ecosystem. 

• Beyond annual summits, MEX runs regular workshops and masterclasses throughout the year, offering practical guidance across topics such as rights management, streaming and digital monetisation, live performance, sync and content strategy. 

• MEX has also engaged in social-impact efforts: for instance, it partnered with community ventures (such as shelters and music-educational initiatives) to raise funds and resources for local creatives. 

• The platform maintains strong partnerships with rights bodies (like SAMRO) and corporate sector sponsors, illustrating the bridging of creative talent with industry infrastructure.

In a rapidly evolving global music-and-entertainment climate — driven by streaming, digital platforms, rights reform and global collaborations — MEX plays a pivotal role in preparing creators and professionals for the realities of the business. It brings insight into monetisation, rights protection, global opportunities and emerging revenue models. Moreover, by fostering networks between emerging talent and established professionals, it helps drive upward mobility within the industry. The summit also serves as a convergence point where culture meets commerce, local meets global, and innovation meets tradition.

As it enters its 15th year in 2025, MEX continues to adapt its focus to emerging themes: AI and music, sustainability in the creative industries, township and grassroots talent, and the role of digital platforms in Africa’s creative economy. With each edition, the platform aims to deepen its impact, expand access, and strengthen the infrastructure that...