Mbulelo Mpofu in Johannesburg, South Africa
BULAWAYO musician Mzoe7 says his participation at this year’s Music in Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) in Johannesburg, South Africa, has given him valuable insights into the business side of the music industry, particularly international bookings, artiste management and networking.
The “Ginimbi” hitmaker was among music industry players who attended the four-day conference, held from October 28 to 31, which brought together artistes, producers, promoters, managers and other stakeholders for discussions, collaborations and knowledge exchange.
Reflecting on the experience, Mzoe7 said the conference had broadened his understanding of the commercial aspects of music, emphasising that success in the industry requires more than recording songs and performing on stage.
“Attending the Music in Africa Conference is an important opportunity for me as a musician to gain knowledge, build networks and understand the business side of the music industry,” he said.
One of his major takeaways was learning how booking agents operate, how to engage them and the requirements for securing performance opportunities both locally and internationally.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding industry processes and terminology, particularly contracts, royalties, publishing, licensing, artiste management and negotiations.
The knowledge, he said, would help him better understand how African musicians can position themselves for performances at international festivals and music markets.
Networking was another key highlight, with Mzoe7 identifying interactions with international artistes, producers, promoters and managers as potential pathways to collaborations and future performance opportunities.
However, he also raised concerns over the challenges African musicians face when travelling abroad for professional engagements, calling for streamlined visa processes, stronger cultural exchange programmes and partnerships that facilitate movement across borders.
“We should not only make music that crosses borders; we must also create an environment where African musicians can travel, connect, collaborate and do business without unnecessary barriers,” he said.
Mzoe7 further noted that branding, professionalism and strategic partnerships were essential in transforming musical talent into a sustainable business.
“Talent is important, but knowledge, connections, professionalism and access to international markets are equally important,” he said.
He believes African musicians have the creativity and ability to compete on the global stage but require stronger industry structures, wider networks and improved access to international opportunities.
“We have the talent, culture and creativity in Africa. What we need are stronger industry structures, better networks and access to international opportunities,” he said.
The ACCES experience comes in an eventful year for the Bulawayo musician, who has also extended his performances beyond Zimbabwe, making his United Arab Emirates (UAE) debut at the inaugural Easy Pink Harmony Concert in Dubai.
He shared the stage with fellow Zimbabwean artistes Atenda Chinx and Shinsoman, among other performers, marking another milestone in his international career.
His Dubai performance and participation at ACCES have offered complementary experiences: exposure to audiences beyond Zimbabwe and an opportunity to understand the business structures that underpin international music engagements.
At the Johannesburg conference, Mzoe7 also interacted with several industry personalities, including Slikour, Sakhele Mzalazala and Raphael Benza.
For the musician, the experience reinforced the need for African artistes to complement their creative abilities with business knowledge and meaningful industry connections.
“Africa has the talent. Let’s build the bridges,” he said.
