SA: Indie Masterclass 2020 season to start with music business workshop

The workshop series, presented by the Indie Foundation, will be held monthly and seek to empower independent artists by facilitating interactive discussions led by key music industry experts.

The one-day workshop will be facilitated by Moshito Music Conference interim chairperson and Association of Independent Recording Companies (AIRCO) director Stanley Khoza, and feature an in-depth discussion on the business of music.

Khoza has years of experience managing musicians and running a record label. He is also a regular speaker and has led a number of panel discussions at music conferences. 

He says it is vital for music professionals to look at the business behind the music. “We’ll look at the different ways that people can make money, build themselves as brands within the music industry and build the reputation of their labels,” Khoza told Music In Africa.

“I’ll also go into issues of royalties, discussing what creators need to do to stay relevant and how to continue making royalties, whether online or offline, as well as the basic administration within the business itself.

“Musicians need to understand the nature of the business that they’re in. It is important for people to never assume that they know it all, and to give themselves an opportunity to learn from other people who have been in the business. I urge all music stakeholders to come and be open minded to learn new things. Education never ends.”

The event forms part of the Indie Masterclass programme, which will cover topics such music publishing, music rights and royalties, the art of recording, music industry law and the business of artist management.

The programme has previously featured industry professionals such as musician and founder of Mayonie Productions Zakes Bantwini, Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) head of licensing Munyaradzi Chanetsa, Vth Season co-founder Raphael Benza and MTN Bushfire festival director Jiggs Thorne, among many others.

The 29 February workshop will run from 1pm to 3pm. Entrance is free but space is limited. Participants should email masterclass@indiefoundation.org.za to reserve a seat.