Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
FROM 26 to 29 August, Durban, South Africa, will once again host The Music Imbizo, an eminent annual gathering dedicated to the music industry. This event, renowned for its multicultural and multinational convergence, is heralded as “the most significant music business gathering on the continent”.
Under the theme, “Towards a Sacred Economy of Sound — Building the Systems for a Conscious Music Industry”, it aims to foreground the importance of Intellectual Property (IP), culture and creativity in shaping the future of the industry.
Among the beneficiaries of The Music Imbizo are Zimbabwean artistes “Meet Luminous” and “Gemma Griffiths,” both of whom have performed at previous editions. The organisers have now opened submissions for live showcase performances, with a closing date of 15 February.
Sunday Life recently sat down with rapper Meet Luminous, who reflected on his experience at the 2022 event.
For Bulawayo-based hip-hop artiste Meet Luminous, his showcase at The Music Imbizo in Durban was less about immediate fame and more about a vital, albeit initially daunting, investment in his future. Sharing a stage with South African heavyweight Zakwe, known for the hit Roots, became a notable milestone within a narrative characterised by financial risk, meaningful connections and unforeseen professional rewards.
“Initially, I was conflicted, to be honest. I think it was mainly because I view things from a financial perspective. A significant portion of that trip was self-funded, though fortunately I had some funds from the rollout of my EP titled Love, Sex and the Gospel (LSG), supported by the British Council. That money helped cover the expenses since it was a showcase, not a paid booking,” Luminous admitted, reflecting on his decision to perform.
The financial burden was substantial for an artiste accustomed to the grind of the industry.
“I was left with only one booking after that—Shoko Festival in Harare. That was the only gig remaining . . . At first, I wondered whether it was worth it, financially. Was I just going there to perform? Coming from Bulawayo, I understand the value of doing free shows at certain points in your career. At that stage, I thought it was acceptable to do a few paid shows per year and be content with that.”
However, the Imbizo proved to be a catalyst for career-defining relationships.
“During The Music Imbizo, I met Walter Wanyanya and we really connected. Walter was impressed that we had used our own money to put ourselves out there. He told me, ‘You’ve gained your brother, man. If you need anything, just let me know when you get to Harare.’ That genuine relationship extended beyond music, he’s my brother for life.”
This connection proved invaluable.
“Without that, I wouldn’t have met Walter, nor would I have been invited to perform at Jacaranda later that year. I participated in the Jacaranda Business Conference, and by the end of the event, Walter was impressed with my performance. Subsequently, I performed with the Black Spirits at the Oliver Mtukudzi tribute during the Jacaranda Music Festival. One opportunity led to another, and I was able to command higher fees.”
The initial financial outlay ultimately yielded significant professional dividends.
Contrary to expectations, sharing the stage with Zakwe was not his most cherished memory.
“Believe it or not, sharing the moment with Zakwe was the least of my favourite things,” Luminous revealed.
He valued the broader experience far much more.
“The whole experience was what I truly enjoyed. It was incredible — learning more about myself, performing before an audience that didn’t know me, yet managing to engage them. I saw the social impact of it all.”
For him, The Music Imbizo 2022 transcended a single performance; it was a calculated risk that fostered vital industry relationships, unlocked major opportunities such as the Jacaranda Festival, provided personal and creative renewal, and ultimately validated his journey as an artiste willing to invest in himself from the City of Kings. — @MbuleloMpofu
