Stage clears for BIMC
This year’s edition of the Botswana International Music Conference is here. For this year, organizers have fused the Botswana Musicians Union awards and the Botswana International Music Conference. The first in a series of events is slated to take place on Tuesday. The events will take place from November 26th- December 2nd. On December 3rd, the very best local artists will be awarded at the annual Botswana Musicians Awards.
The first event to kickstart this melting pot of the best speakers from diverse backgrounds happens to be the Women of Song workshop. The workshop featuring some of the most celebrated women in the music industry will see speakers who include Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association President, Zenzele Hirschfield, Mpho Sebina who is currently in Texas, USA for the AFRIMMA awards, DJ Jam- N- I, Kelly
Ramputswa- Tlale ( former Yarona FM Station Manager), Manaileng Maphike ( Founding Member of Women in Music, South Africa), Mpumi Phillips ( Director of Distribution, The Orchard, SA), and Norma Mzimela ( Marketing & Communications Officer for Kwazulu Natal United Music Industry Association).
Other speakers at the workshop will include Obonye Malope ( Marketing & PR Expert, and the Executive Director of EYNOBO Consultancy), Valentine Gaudin- Muteba ( MD for Trace South Africa), Temi Adeniji ( MD for Warner Music Africa), Charlotte Leah Bwana ( Director of Brand and Media Partnerships for Audiomack), Reba Shai ( Focalist Manager at 18 Area Music) and Journalist, Sharon Mathala.
Also happening on the same day is a Women of Song brunch.
Going through the speakers’ list for the Women of Song, it is not difficult to see why all of these remarkable women are on the panel. Boasting
a wealth of knowledge and years of experience in different fields, this would be the perfect opportunity for local creatives to sit in a room and hear their stories as well as absorb as much knowledge as they can about the ever- evolving music industry.
One of the interesting speakers to look out for happens to be Adeniji. For those who might be eyeing the continental market, and even the world, this is one of the women that they need to hear. Her label, has signed two of the biggest acts namely Master KG and Africa’s golden boy, Burna Boy.
Second up, for those who want to learn all about music streaming platforms and how to go about it, Bwana is their person. Bwana is the Director of Brand and Media Partnerships for Audiomack in Africa, which is the African arm of the American youth driven, artist first music streaming platform.
Now if you want to explore this space, and expand artist reach, she is just perfect.
Another highlight to look forward to on Tuesday evening is the Women of Song showcase. Wednesday ( November 30th), will be dedicated to the Lobebe La Setso. Meanwhile, the Botswana International Music Conference with notable speakers who include Thomas Sondlo ( VIB Mobile), Karabo Senna ( SAMRO), Stanley Khoza ( Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition), Paulo Chibanga ( AZGO Festival), Craig Bright ( Vic Falls Carnival), Sphe Mbhele ( The Music Imbizo), Sakhele Mzalazala ( Downtown Music Holding), as well as DJ Fresh ( Big Dawg Productions).
BIMC will officially open on December 1st with a Hip Hop showcase ( evening) and a day event. December 2nd, is all about Pioneers of House, and a Pre- Party event for the awards. And lastly, December 3rd, is all about glitz and glamour, where artists will be awarded at a starstudded ceremony at the GICC for the BOMU awards.