Zimbabwe to shine at WOMEX25

 

Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

FINLAND is set to be sprinkled with some Zimbabwean magic as Mutare-based musicologist and artiste manager, Kever Six (born Kevin Tapuwanashe Dozwa), has been selected as one of the keynote speakers for the upcoming Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX25).

WOMEX is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films, and showcase concerts, and will this year be held at Tampere, Finland from 22 – 26 October.

Kever Six told this publication that he is shocked at this selection.

“I actually have mixed feelings about the selection because WOMEX is one of the biggest music expos in the world; therefore, I’m in shock and happy that I will be representing my beloved country, Zimbabwe, on a global stage. I’m also looking forward to engaging with other music business professionals, film industry experts, and arts scholars in a bid to collaborate and market Zimbabwean arts on a global stage,” he said.

According to an abstract from WOMEX, George Robert Asewe (Kenya), The Music Advocate Africa; with André Bourgeois (Switzerland/Brazil), Urban Jungle; and Kevin T. Dozwa (Zimbabwe), Kever Six Music, will chair the “Globalising AI in Music Management: Ethics, equity & cross-continental strategies” session.

“The session explores AI’s dual role as both disruptor and enabler for music professionals, CMOs, and creatives across the globe. Through compelling case studies, it highlights Africa’s AI-driven metadata innovations, Europe’s debates on algorithmic governance, and the U.S.’s evolving copyright battles over AI-generated content. Key themes include: enhancing efficiency through tools like automated licensing and anti-piracy systems; navigating ethical concerns such as bias and the displacement of creators; and reconciling regulatory frameworks—from Africa’s AfCFTA IP Protocol to the EU’s AI Act and Copyright Directives,” read the abstract.

He will join more than 20 other speakers from varied countries, contributing to rich discussions at WOMEX25.

Kever Six has dedicated his life to the advancement of African music. With expertise in guitar and mbira, he blends traditional sounds with contemporary influences, showcasing his versatility as an artiste.

In 2010, Kever Six began his musical journey as a DJ, later transitioning into a focus on performance and education. He holds a National Certificate in Music, which he obtained in 2018, and is currently a student of Music Business, Musicology, and Technology, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in these critical areas.

As a researcher, Kever has a keen interest in music business and technology, exploring how these fields intersect with African music. In his role as an arts manager, he actively supports and promotes artists, ensuring the sustainability of creative practices within the community. He is also a passionate music educator, teaching instruments and music theory to aspiring musicians. Through his work in performance, research, education, and management, he strives to elevate African music on both local and global stages. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu