The Music Imbizo 2024: A Celebration of Music, Film, and Culture

On the evening of the 27th of August in 2024, The Music Imbizo officially opened with a night that showcased the intricate connections between music, film, and culture. As I walked into the venue, the energy was palpable, filled with anticipation and excitement. The theme for this year’s Imbizo, "Building a Sound Future," resonated throughout the night, setting the tone for what promises to be a forward-looking exploration of the industry.

The opening night was expertly directed by Sakhele Mzalazala from SM Communications, whose warmth and professionalism guided us through the event. The evening began sometime after 7:00 pm with an introduction to the theme by the event founder Sphe Mbhele, who invited us to reflect on how we, as creators and businessmen and businesswomen, can contribute to a future where music continues to thrive, innovate, inspire and feed music creators and their families. He recognized the partners who made the event possible and mentioned some delegates and speakers who traveled far and wide to add value to the conference.

The night’s programming was rich and diverse. We were treated to a screening of the music video "Mama" by Liz Ikamba. This visual piece was a testament to the emotional power of music, with stunning cinematography that captured the essence of motherhood and resilience. The video was a perfect introduction to the discussions that followed, exploring the relationship between music, film, and culture.

David Molotlhanyi, a respected figure in the industry and Music channel lead at Multichoice, shared his insights on how these three elements interconnect. His words highlighted the symbiotic relationship that exists between them—how music scores and soundtracks shape the emotional landscapes of films, and how culture gives context and depth to both.

We were then invited into the world of "Instrument," a film directed by Michael February and Tao Farren-Hefer. The film draws a surprising parallel between surfing and music, brought to life by surfer Michael February and jazz trumpeter Keegan Steenkamp. Watching them find unexpected harmony in their respective crafts was nothing short of inspiring. The film emphasizes how both art forms are driven by tempo, resonance, and spontaneity, creating a shared language that transcends traditional boundaries.

Jotam Matariro, the CEO of CAPASSO, brought us back to the core of the event with a talk on the importance of music business gatherings like The Music Imbizo. His discussion was a call to action, reminding us that these spaces are vital for the growth and sustainability of the industry, not just in South Africa but across the continent.

The musical highlight of the evening was a performance by the University of Zululand Choir. Their award-winning harmonies filled the room, transporting us into the heart of African traditional music. Established in 2001, this choir has been instrumental in preserving and promoting African music on both local and global platforms. Their performance was a powerful reminder of the cultural wealth that music holds, and the importance of keeping these traditions alive. They will be touring the US in September 2025 and reminded us that they are available for bookings.

The night ended with a note of gratitude from Sphe Mbhele, the founder of The Music Imbizo. It was clear that this event is not just a gathering but a movement—a collective effort to shape the future of the music industry in Africa. As we made our way to the most important part of the evening, FOOD, there was a sense of hope and determination in the air, as attendees networked with each other, on day zero! The Music Imbizo 2024 had officially begun, and with it, a journey to build a sound future. My hope and prayer is that this event becomes an African endeavor, moving from country to country, and adding value to national economies through creative expression and education, leaving behind buoyed young creators to continue with the dream of “sustaining the future of African creativity”.

For anyone passionate about music, film, and culture, The Music Imbizo is more than just an event—it's a space for learning, networking, and inspiring the next generation of creators. I look forward to seeing how the conversations and ideas sparked tonight will unfold in the days to come.

If you would like a copy of this article for publication purposes, please contact Eddy Mihigo at [email protected].