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PICTURE: Marc Marot and Dr Trevor Jones

For more than 15 years, Music Exchange (MEX) has stood as South Africa’s premier entertainment-economy-focused conference and professional development platform, equipping creative workers with the tools, insights, and networks needed to thrive in the global music and entertainment industry.

Founded in 2009 by event convener Martin Myers, MEX has consistently attracted local and international thought leaders who have shaped the entertainment landscape. The program provides practical knowledge on royalties, publishing, contracts, monetisation, management structures, and global markets — ensuring that artists, managers, producers, and entrepreneurs are better prepared to build .

Global Voices, Local Impact.

Over the past nine years, delegates have engaged with an impressive roster of international and South African practitioners.

Global contributors have included:

– Christian Wright (Abbey Road Studios, UK) – Mark Murdoch (Mahogany, UK) – Ben Oldfield (The Orchard, France) – Brandon Bakshi (BMI, UK) – Mos Def (USA, acclaimed hip-hop artist and actor) – Tim Renner (Universal Music Germany, Berlin Cultural Ambassador) – Trevor Jones (UK/Cape Town, award-winning film composer) – Charles Goldstuck (USA, CEO Touchtunes, former Sony/BMG CEO) – Bryan Michael Cox (USA, nine-time Grammy-winning producer) – David Vodicka (Australia, Rubber Records Chairman, music lawyer) – Marcela Arciniegas (Colombia, producer and songwriter) – Jann Klose (USA, Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter) . South African icons have also graced the stage, including Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Karen Zoid, Amanda Black, RJ Benjamin, AKA, Vicky Sampson, and Auriol Hays, among many others.

Leadership & Vision.

MEX operates as a non-profit company chaired by legendary musician Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, with support from Trevor Jones, Victoria Seale, RJ Benjamin, Jason Curtis, and John Fishlock. The dedicated team — including Bevan Trevor, Derek Geddes, Warren Kirkland, Roeshdien Jaz, Aki Khan, and Esra Overberg — has ensured the event’s continued success, while Andre Gilbertson has overseen media liaison and interview.@Spoken word artist Siphokazi Jonas has played a key role in integrating poetry and performance into the program, broadening the creative scope of the conference.

Expanding Through Broadcast & Podcasts.

In 2023, MEX expanded its reach with The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk Radio, hosted weekly by Martin Myers. Broadcast every Thursday at 9pm and available on Spotify under On The Couch With MEX, the series has surpassed 100 episodes, offering practical, no-nonsense insights into the mechanics of the entertainment economy.

Guests have included:

– Dr Trevor Jones (film composer) – Marc Marot (former Island Records MD) – Wouter Kellerman (two-time Grammy winner) – Michael Yormark (President, Roc Nation Sports International) – Annabell Lebethe (CEO, SAMRO) – Arthur Goldstuck (technology analyst).

Rather than focusing on celebrity interviews, the podcast dives into the realities of contracts, copyright, royalties, AI in entertainment, ticketing, and global market strategies. Myers explains: “The conversations are always entertaining and inspirational, peppered with true stories, first-person accounts and invaluable tips from the people who’ve made a successful living from their craft.”

The message behind MEX and its podcast series is clear: knowledge is now accessible. Industry leaders are openly sharing their experiences, systems, and mistakes, empowering emerging creatives to learn and apply proven strategies.

Listeners are encouraged to begin with landmark episodes: – Episode 100 – Dr Trevor Jones – Episode 109 – Marc Marot – Episodes 178 & 179 – Nick Matzukis – Episodes 202 & 203 – Annabell Lebethe.

Looking Ahead: MEX26.

The next major conference, MEX26, is scheduled for 31 October 2026 in Cape Town. Organisers promise another landmark gathering of local and international voices, continuing the mission of fostering partnerships, job creation, and economic development through the arts.

For more information, visit www.musicexchange.org.za or email info@musicexchange.org.za.

About The Author

Siyanda imbana

Siyanda Ngqayimbana A.K.A. Da blaq Bull: From the Streets of Makhaza to Global Hip Hop Recognition

Siyanda Ngqayimbana, also known as Da blaq Bull, is an emerging hip-hop sensation whose journey from the vibrant streets of Makhaza to the global music stage is capturing hearts and turning heads. Born and raised in the heart of 37sec Ghost Town, Siyanda’s narrative is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Siyanda’s love affair with rap began in 2014 while growing up in Site B, Khayelitsha. At the time, he was not yet recording his tracks, instead opting to express his lyrical prowess through freestyle videos captured on his phone. It wasn’t until he moved back to Makhaza in 2017 that Siyanda’s latent passion for music found fertile ground. In an environment where his friends weren’t particularly attuned to the hip-hop genre, Siyanda’s determination to create music was unyielding. He remained focused on his studies until the call of the craft could no longer be ignored.

A turning point came in Grade 10 when Siyanda’s ardor for writing and rapping was rekindled. A chance Facebook post seeking a studio in Makhaza led him to an encounter with fellow recording artist Nasy C Alta. This meeting marked the inception of Siyanda’s professional music journey. Under Nasy C Alta’s guidance, Siyanda recorded his first track, “Bombay,” produced by SO Deno which rapidly gained viral traction within his community. The track’s success not only established Siyanda as a force to be reckoned with but also ignited a fervor for musical expression that couldn’t be contained.

Siyanda’s trajectory skyrocketed when he collaborated with fellow Cape Town artists Mossi l Bay and Cynth Kid on “Ithongo Lemambs,” a collaboration that etched his name into the very fabric of Cape Town’s hip-hop scene. His international footprint expanded further with the release of “War Ready,” a collaboration with American artist Mizzy Hendrix . This transcontinental collaboration was a testament to Siyanda’s cross-cultural appeal, capturing the attention of listeners across digital platforms.

However, the journey was not without its obstacles. As the studio where he had been recording closed its doors, Siyanda’s musical momentum came to a temporary halt. But in 2023, a stroke of luck revitalized his journey. With the support of a neighbor who happened to be a recording artist armed with a laptop, Siyanda produced his latest track, “Testimony.” A song initially written in 2022, “Testimony” encapsulates Siyanda’s resilience and his unrelenting spirit to keep creating despite the odds.

Mark your calendars for September 20th as Siyanda Da Bull drops “Testimony” across all digital platforms. The release promises to be a testament not only to his growth as an artist but also to his dedication to his craft.

Siyanda Da Bull also has thrilling collaborations on the horizon. With a forthcoming track featuring the talented American artist Moonraq, alongside Mizzy Hedrix, Siyanda’s influence is poised to transcend borders. Furthermore, a collaboration with Rap God and kill Kris’s , another exceptional American artist, is also in the works, promising a musical experience that bridges continents.

Siyanda Da Bull Ngqayimbana’s journey is an ode to the resilience and passion of Africa’s rising hip-hop stars. His relentless drive and unwavering belief in his artistry continue to shape his path to greatness. As Siyanda continues to amplify his presence on the global music stage, he remains an inspiration to aspiring artists across the world.

Please stream mag music on Audiomack

https://audiomack.com/ngqayimbanasiyanda

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