The two-day Stanbic Jacaranda Music Business Conference began on Wednesday, October 2, at The Venue in Avondale, Harare, with full attendance from key figures in the arts world.
Under the skillful guidance of festival manager Tariro Chaniwa, the conference included a diverse lineup of speakers who covered a wide range of topics relevant to the music industry, which provided creatives with understanding about the business side of music.
Farai B Ncube and Melissa Paulsen at the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Business Conference
The event included seminars and conversations from industry experts. After their panel discussion, Farai Ncube of the British Council and Melissa Paulsen of the United States Embassy spoke with the audience one-on-one, providing networking opportunities for everyone.
Mandy Masuku of Munch and Sip and Gus LeBreton of Miombo Festival discussed how they expanded their events, the business management aspect, and how they select artists for their festivals.
Napoleon Nyanhi
In his address, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) executive director Napoleon Nyanhi highlighted efforts to create a more supportive environment for Zimbabwean artists. He emphasized advocacy for art-friendly policies, international collaborations, and the professionalization of the arts sector. He urged attendees to explore NACZ resources for opportunities and grants available locally and internationally.
Speaking to the moderator, Soprofound, Farai Mupfunya stressed how important it is for seasoned artists to attend the seminar and share their expertise with their peers.
Farayi Mupfunya
The second day of the conference, to be held on October 3, will feature Prudence Katomeni Mbofana, Tina Watyoka, and Steve Vickers, among others, with host Soprofound moderating the discussions. The event has garnered praise, including commendations from the Acting Minister of Sports, Arts, and Recreation, Kazembe Kazembe.
This event, which is an integral part of the Jacaranda Music Festival, was founded in 2017 and has grown into a significant platform for Zimbabwean creatives, providing possibilities for networking and important insights.
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