AMARA NWOGU (CA)

COO – 8 TIL FAINT

Amara Nwogu an entertainment business professional with experience in politics, corporate, and the non-profit sector. With the ability to translate large organizational goals into business objectives, Amara has successfully bridged the gap between grassroots organizations and corporate to create impact. Leading the Music City and Film strategy for Toronto as the Entertainment & Special Projects policy advisor for Mayor John Tory, Amara was able to empower community organizations, emerging musicians, and support entertainment businesses such as MLSE, AEG, Bell Media, NBCU Universal, Universal Music, Motion Pictures Association of America, and more.

She was determined to do the same at RBC, in partnership with Live Nation developing brand strategies, partnerships, and funding opportunities such as MVP Project, RBC Launchpad, and OVO Summit. Recently, Amara has worked with the international advocacy group, Global Citizen on their One World: Together At Home, which aired April 18th in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The historic, cross-platform global special that celebrated and raised $127.9 million (USD) for health care workers and coronavirus relief with performances and appearances from Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Jimmy Fallon, Usher and more.

ANTOS STELLA (SA)

CEO – CONTENT CONNECT AFRICA

An extraordinary presence in the music industry for over 30 years, Antos Stella is one of the most respected businesswomen to emerge from the industry. Her artist relations have been one of her major strengths, enabling her to successfully bridge the gap between the creative and business worlds. Antos has been instrumental in some of the countries biggest international artist deals, an ambassador for the country internationally as well as a leading content aggregator focused specifically on the relationship between telecommunications and the digital distribution of local and international content. Antos and her team at CCA are expanding the distribution of content to include not only music but mobile television and video content too.

BILLY DOMINGO (SA)

COO – CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Billy Domingo is one of South Africa’s most respected and successful entertainment industry professionals. From Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre to stage-manage the official opening of Sun City with Frank Sinatra. This led him to become Entertainment Director at Sun City producing dozens of International shows over the years. Highlights include Queen, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and Elton John. He has toured the world with Lucky Dube and produced the Royal Variety Show at the Royal Albert Hall in London. His passion for skills transfers and development is evident in every production he is responsible for, and especially the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s annual youth development programme. Today, Billy Domingo is the Festival Director of the largest jazz festival in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, also known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering. The award-winning festival is known globally for its large-scale production and superb hospitality experience.

BLACK COFFEE (SA)

ARTIST

Considering his meteoric rise to fame, it would be easy to stereotype Black Coffee as just another black diamond, a BEE beat magnet out to mine the insatiable upwardly mobile urban house party market. But as he proved on his South African Music Award-winning album Home Brewed, this DJ and producer defies convention. Sidestepping Afro-house clichés and stage managed highs in favor of restrained sophistication, Black Coffee’s penchant is for true Afropolitan house: home-brewed but fresh and future-focused. Expect almost sculptural balance and beauty.
If one heard a clamour and ululating emanating from the eastern provinces of South Africa, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, announcing the recognition of a cultural phenomenon and their role in the development of this cultural phenomenon, one could not argue were that
the clamour and ululating be in respect of the soul, spirit, talent and vision that is Nkosinathi
Innocent Maphumulo, better known as Black Coffee.
Black Coffee was born in Durban in KwaZulu Natal and grew up in the Eastern Cape in
Mthatha, before moving back to Durban to study music at Natal Tech where he majored in Jazz. His reason for studying music was because he felt that as a producer, he had to deepen his overall musical knowledge, develop his listening skills and advance his knowledge of music theory. Leaving tech prior to completion of his studies, Black Coffee with two friends Thandukwazi Demor Sikhosana and Mnqobi Shota Mdabe worked as backup vocalists for the renowned Madala Kunene. Deciding then to form an urban soul trio “Shana” the three moved to Johannesburg to make their way.
Keeping “Simply Hot And Naturally African” (the meaning of Shana) together as an ongoing project, the three also pursued their individual visions, collaborating on the way. Black Coffee was chosen as one of two South African participants in the Red Bull Music Academy in 2003 jump-starting him into the South African DJ scene – a decision he says he has never looked back on. His first big break was when his song “Happiness” was featured on the DJs At Work album.

2005, the same year as the release of Black Coffee’s powerful debut album Black Coffee saw the birth and formation of Soulistic Music, Black Coffee’s wholly owned 360° corporate structure, his team’s home base and the jump-off point for himself, and as time has evidenced for many others too. Black Coffee revealed that his first album was created using considerably basic music-making software. “I don’t know how to explain the production stages of my album because all I did was put down the basic ideas that I had, I didn’t use any MIDI controllers everything was played with a computer mouse.” He added that the use of live instruments in a song is also especially important, giving a track that final magic touch and bringing it to life. A view through the Black Coffee ‘lens’, at the end of 2011, confirms a delightful, fresh and truly heartwarming vista of dynamic and exciting creative production, glimpses of a genius unfolding and degrees of difficulty, challenge and hardship. To many Black Coffee has led the ‘house music’ way. establishing a global pre-eminence in vocal house music and a business approach structured to unlock the plethora of opportunities offered by a converged digital realm driven by the songs and their performance.

CORY LITWIN (CA)

EVP – HALLWOOD MEDIA

Cory Litwin is one of the music industry’s most successful, respected and ambitious artist managers, an empire-builder who groomed his fellow Canadian Murda Beatz from small-town upstart to the world’s top mega-hitmaker. His collaboration with Murda is just the start of the multi-faceted empire Cory is building, using personal relationships to forge partnerships – all part of a personal philosophy that you are your own best asset.

D.O. GIBSON (CA)

ARTIST

D.O. Gibson a rapper from Canada, who has become a certified international artist, a successful record label executive and a socially active community ambassador. D.O has also worked to bring dozens of Canadian artists to Netherlands and put on events including an annual boat cruise that connects Canadian artists and managers with the Dutch scene. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, I want to help pave the way for the next generation” says D.O. In between recording, Gibson founded the Stay Driven program that launched in 2001. Stay Driven is based on D.O.’s own life experiences where he addresses relevant topics such as anti-bullying, peer pressure, and literacy. In 2012, he released the book Stay Driven. In addition to his career as an artist, he is also the driving force behind Northern Power Summit – regarded in the Urban community as one of the premier emerging conferences in Canada.

ERIN BENJAMIN (CA)

PRESIDENT & CEO; CANADIAN LIVE MUSIC ASSOCIATION

President & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association since its creation in 2014, Erin Benjamin has worked in the Canadian music industry for over 25 years – first as a touring and recording artist and then as executive director of both Folk Music Ontario (2001) and the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (2008). Founder of the Ottawa Women in the Music Industry group and a passionate, highly-regarded leader, Erin currently serves on the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports’ Ontario Live Music Working Group as co-chair, Ontario Creates (formerly the OMDC) Music Industry Advisory Committee, Algonquin College’s Music Industry Arts Advisory Committee and is a board member the Unison Benevolent Fund, MEGAPHONO and RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. In 2017 she enjoyed roles as both the vice-chair of the Ottawa Juno Host Committee and co-chair of Canadian Music Week. In May 2019, she was honoured with the United Way’s Community Ambassador of the Year Award for her work in leading and producing the impactful “After the Storm” benefit concert, raising tens of thousands of dollars for victims of Ottawa’s devastating September, 2018 tornadoes. Erin lives in a vibrant downtown Ottawa neighbourhood with her awesome kids, son Oliver and daughter Toby.

ANDREW MITCHLEY (SA)

A&R HEAD-DAVID GRESHAM RECORDS

Andrew Mitchley is a 38-year-old South African music executive, entrepreneur, tech investor & creative rights agent for change, with over 20 years of industry experience. Based in Johannesburg, Andrew is currently serving on the board of both The Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) and the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), and has previously held the position as a non-executive director of RISA Audio Visual (RAV).
Andrew is the Chief Operations Officer & head of A&R at David Gresham Records & has recently become the co-founder and Managing Director at Gresham Rights Management, a direct licensing company representing SESAC & The Harry Fox Agency in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ERIN ASHLEY LOWERS (CA)

MUSIC JOURNALIST & DIGITAL SPECIALIST

Starting her career in 2008, Erin has written for both online and print publications, landing on the role of Hip-Hop Editor of Canada’s national music editorial, Exclaim! magazine, in 2014.
Journalism aside, her love of music has also expanded into the festival market. At home in Toronto, Erin worked tirelessly with Manifesto’s Festival of Community and Culture as both the Educational Programmer and lending a hand to its music programming for six years, programmed conference topics for CMW, and hosted three successful all-Canadian music showcases at Atlanta’s A3C Festival before becoming their 2017 conference manager.
The most recent additions to Erin’s career in the music industry include her work as an interview producer and researcher for the Emmy and Peabody-award winning Netflix series Hip-Hop Evolution. Erin currently serves as a juror / judge for FACTOR, Polaris, Prism Prize and is on the JUNO Awards Rap Committee. Working with independent artists, event planners, community leaders, non-profit organizations and marketing companies across North America, Erin has been planting seeds coast-to-coast that are bound to grow as time moves forward.

EVELYN CREAM (CA)

MANAGER, COLLECTIVE INITIATIVES, SPONSORSHIP & OUTREACH

After working at CAPAC (now called SOCAN), Anthem Entertainment Group/SRO Management, and Warner Music Canada, Evelyn started Athena Music International in 1998 to help artists and labels touch the world with their music via marketing, publicity, artist management, and consulting. She has been interviewed by Billboard magazine several times for articles on international marketing and distribution strategies and was President of the All Canadian Jazz Festival. During her career she has worked with Grammy and Juno award-winning musicians from several genres of music as well as 2 members of the Rock and Roll Fame of Fame including: RUSH, The Yardbirds, Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Loreena McKennitt, 3 Tenors, Steve Vai, Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove, Kronos Quartet, Pierre Bensusan, Dweezil Zappa, Paul Brandt, Steve Lukather, and many more. A big fan of live music, Evelyn has attended 1,000+ performances of music from all types of genres.

JAKE GOLD (CA)

PRESIDENT & CEO THE MANAGEMENT TRUST LTD

Jake Gold is one of Canada’s most successful artist managers, and for its 6 season run, a judge on the national television hit Canadian Idol. In 1981, Gold started his artist management company, The Management Trust, through which he is best known for his role in establishing and transforming The Tragically Hip into a national icon. Gold currently directs the careers of upcoming act “Common Deer”, and acclaimed pop-rock band The Pursuit of Happiness, as well as music producers Moe Berg, Laurence Currie, Dan Hosh, and Russell Broom. Gold has been recognized by the annual Canadian Music Industry Awards as Manager of the Year in 1991, 1993 and 1994. In 2009, Gold was elected to the board of CIMA (CIRPA) and recently has been elected again to Vice‐Chairman for CIMA. Jake is also a board member for the MMF (Music Managers Forum) and is the 2013 MMF Honour Roll Award recipient for his lifetime work in the field of Artist Management. He also sits on the music advisory board of Ontario Creates

JOTAM MATARIRO (SA)

CEO: CAPASSO

Jotam Matariro is the Chief Executive Officer of Composers Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) NPC. CAPASSO is a Mechanical Rights (MR) collective management organisation based in Johannesburg South Africa and the only MR organisation in Africa. He is passionate about equitable distribution of music royalties especially on the African continent. He is a firm believer that as Africans we need to decide our future by making use of modern technology to enhance remuneration of creative work. Under his leadership, CAPASSO has developed to become the digital licensing hub for the African continent

JONATHAN BUTLER (SA/USA)

ARTIST

What the world needs now is love…but as is often the case, what the world needs begins with one person and one household. Thus, the crux of the story behind South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler’s 23rd album, Close To You, his tribute to the hallowed pop canon of Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics). The 11-song project features 10 Bacharach/David gemstones from the mid-60s to early 70s (including vocal versions of “The Look Of Love,” “Walk On By,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” “This Guy’s In Love With You” and the lead single “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” plus instrumental versions of “Do You Know The Way To San Jose” and “I Say A Little Prayer”) as well as one original composition, the ebulliently autobiographical “Cape Town.”

Following several monumental decades of moving from South Africa to America, building a worldwide audience for his music while also raising his children to adulthood, Jonathan Butler arrived at a crossroads in his marriage which ended in divorce.

A few years later Jonathan met violinist Nadira Kimberly, who brought profound new meaning to his life. Her presence by his side became the inspiration for Close To You.

“Right then I realized this was not the season to write about me or my relationship,” Butler shares. “It was a season for me to listen to what is in the atmosphere. The music of Burt Bacharach is what I was hearing. The next day I called my manager and told him I wanted to do a Bacharach songbook album and reinvent myself in the process. I am honored to become a student of this music. To recognize the precious, golden ‘origin era’ of great songwriting. I did my homework then sprinkled South African spice on top with my chanting and rhythmic approach to playing the guitar. This is music I could really dig into.”

The highlights of Close To You are bountiful, beginning with the title track that features the touching violin introduction of Nadira (Hidden Figures, The Voice). There is “A House Is Not A Home” which Butler sings solely to guitar/bass accompaniment – “a lyric I just felt I needed to pay attention to.” Then there is the existential musing, “Alfie.” “I had to reach a level of maturity to sing this one,” he states. “The lyric is so profound. At the start, I am having a chat with the listener. Then at the end where it says, ‘Without love, we just exist’…what a revelation! We all have many things to sort out in life but this is said in such a beautiful way. ‘When you walk, let your heart lead the way / Then you’ll find love any day.’”

Deepest of all is “What The World Needs Now Is Love,” a message destined to ring out in today’s troubled times as it did when introduced in 1965. “It’s a 6/8 groove that keeps opening and opening, wrapping ‘round the listener,” he says. “People are ready to go to a higher place. At my concerts, I’ve seen them standing together, holding hands. Starting with me, I hope this song will start a new love movement.” Reflecting upon his roots in poverty and apartheid in Cape Town, Butler adds, “What I am seeing today in America truly hurts my heart. I know what it is to see a ‘whites only’ sign. There are three things that are important for a Black man to know: Who you are; Where you are, and; When you speak, be bold, loud enough for everybody to hear. Many people that come to my concerts, I can see, are still conflicted. When I am among them, I am very open and real. I tell them my story.”

Butler’s musical story began at age 12 recording the Burt Bacharach song “Please Stay,” originally recorded by vocal quartet The Drifters in 1961. Escaping then-Apartheid-poisoned South Africa through a love for music instilled within him from his parents and siblings, Butler has become a world-renowned singer, guitarist and entertainer via songs ranging from the pop of “Sarah, Sarah” and the soul of “Do You Love Me” to the jazz of “Deliverance” and his Contemporary Gospel classic “Be Encouraged.” Now 56, Jonathan Butler has come back to Bacharach full circle with the music of Close To You. “I’d heard people use the term soulmate and always wondered, ‘What is that?’” he concludes. “Now I have a buddy, lover and companion that I walk our dog Pete with, discussing our future plans in matrimony and philanthropy. It brings to mind a scripture I love which states, ‘Blessed be the Lord who causes us to triumph in the end.’”

JONATHAN G SHAW (SA)

IBILION RECORDS

Jonathan G Shaw is a professional record producer and sound engineer, who works with a multitude of independent artists and record labels. In 2001 he began Shaw Music Studios out of which several artists he has worked with have received SAMA nominations. Shaw was nominated as a finalist for Best Score for the movie “Thirst” at the Los Angeles CineFest in June 2017. The studio became a division of Ibilion Music, his consulting, marketing and education firm for the music industry, in 2006.
Mr Shaw has written an acclaimed music industries textbook entitled “The South African Music Business”, and also lectures at various academic institutions, including Wits University, on music business and presented at over 30 music business workshops including Standard Bank’s Joy of Jazz’s ‘Geleza Kleva and Learn’ and Artscene Foundation’s music business and music & lyric workshops.

JOHN HARRIS (CA)

CEO: HARRIS INSTITUTE

President, Harris Institute (1989–present) – Internationally recognized leader in music industry education. President, Metronome Canada Foundation (1993-present) Integrated music centre on Toronto’s waterfront. Founder, Harris International Program (HIP) (1997-present) Post-secondary partnerships with the International Fund for Ireland,
University of the West of Scotland and Edinburgh Napier University. Founding Trustee, Domenic Troiano Scholarships (2005–2010), Financial assistance for emerging guitarists in honour of a legend

LERATO KGANYAGO (SA)

DJ, MC, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Lerato Kganyago is undoubtedly one of the prominent celebrities in South Africa.A sought after DJ, MC, and motivational speaker known for her unparalleled professionalism and warmth. LKG, as she is known to her millions of fans, is the co-host of Metro FM’s day time show, The Bridge, and recently the HOST of Mzansi Magic’s premier fashion television reality show, Project Runway. Lerato is recipient of the 2017 Best Presenter South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) as co-presenter of Mzansi’s most popular music show, Live Amp. Exuding passion, intelligence, beauty and talent, Lerato is a media sensation and a household name in the entertainment industry. Born and bred in Soweto, Lerato began her journey to stardom in 2002 when she was crowned Miss Jam Alley and later Miss Soweto
in 2005. She made her mark in the industry when she became the face of Soweto TV, and
began hosting her own talk show on the station, The LKG Show.

Lerato has cemented her role in the music and entertainment industry as one of the most sought-after DJs in the country, playing at festivals (Spring Fiesta, Royal Heritage Festival, DStv iRock), clubs and corporate events. In March 2018 she was invited to Los Angeles to add her input the collaboration between Cassper Nyovest and international superstar Jason Derulo, climaxing in her DJing in Cape Town during the Coca Cola World Cup SA Trophy Tour and later being booked in 2019 in Miami, USA. Lerato is a popular MC for major corporations such as Sun International, and has also hosted the South African Film & Television Awards, Sports & Recreation Gala dinners along with forays as Red Carpet host for the South African Music Awards and the MTV Africa Music Awards, The South African Film & Television Awards, and The Royalty Soapie Awards. Adding to her many talents, Lerato pursued her passion for acting, featuring on popular drama series 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, Muvhango, Thandeka’s Diary and A Date With Arthur, and M- Net’s The Wild. But it was when she was chosen as the face of popular lifestyle entertainment show, The Link, on SABC 1 in 2012 that this multi-talented personality’s career rocketed. In 2016 she landed the coveted slot as co-presenter of SABC1’s freshest music show, Live Amp which she co-hosted until mid 2018.

LEMON AND HERB (SA)

MUSIC PRODUCTION AND DJ DUO

Lemon & Herb is a music production and DJ duo comprising of Skhumbuzo Radebe and Don Sithole. Afrobeats, techy sounds ,futuristic melodies and lush soundscapes is what the group is about. Fusing South African rhythms with world club appealing nuances is a trademark in their sound. “Lemon & Herb” is what they dub themselves to try and reflect a sense of ease and a nestling in a clever musical space.Lemon & Herb has a clear mission,and that is to represent a purely indigenous musical sound that is spawned from a rich South African Heritage.The mission is to spread this sound to the world via production and DJ-ing.From Africa to the world! That is the vision. To travel the world spreading the language of love through the beautiful pulsating rhythms of afrohouse dance music. Lemon & Herb Release their first album under the stable OCHA RECORDS run by Carlos Mena and Osunlade. The Album is entitled Tomorrow In Detail and is available on iTunes/Traxsource and other digital outlets.

K23.CA (CA)

STRATEGIC BRANDING AGENCY

K23.ca is an agency that specializes in the creative direction in both visual branding and strategic marketing. We believe in the importance of a strong visual narrative that can tell your story with clarity and focus. Nathalie is a key partner at k23.ca. She brings to the table a keen understanding of business development and marketing. Having worked with artists and music industry entrepreneurs, she figures out the next steps in the creative growth from direction to action. As a partner, she designs excellent business frameworks for the desired output of each brand’s current campaign. Tzu is another key partner at k23.ca. He brings an eye with a solid grasp of many elements of both the music industry and visual arts. Having received a music industry diploma and a visual arts degree, Tzu has been a professional photographer for over 10 + years. Combining his technical photography eye to perfectly capture your brand’s visual voice.

RENNETH SHISIKULE (SA)

CEO – IMEXSA

She started her music career in 1999 as an artist. She also got involved in development of young women in the music business while working together with a label called GTP-Productions. Her aspirations to grow her music globally saw her join forces with an organisation called Gauteng Growth Development Agency (GGDA). It was this partnership that led to her forming IMEXSA back in 2010, an organisation she has now been running for over seven years. Through IMEXSA and the SA Indies Music Week, she has helped over 100 African Unsigned and Independent Music Professionals present their talent and products at various conferences like Popkomm, Womex, Primavera Pro, Canada Music Week, Midem, CMJ, Africa Festival and South by South West. In 2017 she was appointed by Midem, one of the world’s largest music trade shows held annually in France, as one of the members of its Artist Accelerator Committee. The programme is designed to support managers, agents, labels and publishers as they look to grow their artists’ profiles globally. The programme has been running for a few years and in 2015 included the well-known L.A Reid on its artistic selection committee.

TRISHA CARTER (CA)

MUSIC EXPORT (CIMA)

Trisha develops and coordinates private, customized business and showcasing trade missions to support CIMA members’ business and professional development interests. Through these uniquely targeted missions, Trisha has led Canadian delegations and their artists to markets in Japan, Australia, Portugal, Chile, and just over the border to our neighbours in NYC, LA, Chicago, and San Francisco, in the US, and recently brought in delegations from France, Eastern Europe and Australia to Canada. Trisha is leveraging her vast experience in developing Canada’s largest music export office along with extensive international networks to work closely with Canada’s music industry to develop and implement business continuity strategies in the COVID-19 era.

MARGARET MCGUFFIN (CA)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -MUSIC PUBLISHERS

Previously, Margaret has held management positions with a number of different collective management associations including CMRRA and Access Copyright. She also worked for nearly a decade as a consultant with a wide range of organizations in the creative industries sector.
Margaret holds a BA from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA in Arts and Media Administration from York University’s Schulich School of Business. Margaret volunteers extensively and currently is Chair on the Board of Directors of Work in Culture and the Advisory Committee of MusiCounts.

MARINA ADAM (CA)

MANAGER – ONTARIO MUSIC OFFICE

Marina joined Ontario Creates in 2013 to deliver funding and economic development programs to Ontario’s music industry. In 2017 she was instrumental in introducing the international Key change campaign to Canadian Music Week to promote gender parity in Ontario’s music industry. She has previously held government positions in international trade and investment attraction, finance, communications, and culture industries policy. In another life, Marina was a post-production sound professional on numerous film and TV projects, earning an Emmy award for her work on a TV miniseries. She also sang/played keyboards in an indie music band that twice toured Canada in the early 2000s.

MPUMI PHILLIPS (SA)

CREATIVE MANAGER – SHEER PUBLISHING

Mpumi Phillips manages the creative department at Sheer Publishing where she handles music clearances for film, television and commercials, and works with a wide range of clients, including artists, composers, production houses, Advertising agencies and post production companies. Mpumi has done music supervisor for films and TV productions such as Rhythm City, Beyond the River, Blood and Water, Angus Buchan’s Ordinary People, Babalas, iNumber Number, Nothing for Mahala and Inside Story. Her career started at a non-profit organization in Los Angeles called “Artist for a New South Africa (ANSA)” – founded by Denzel Washington, Alfre Woodard, Ted Danson and Blair Underwood. Mpumi also worked as Label Manager for Ghetto Ruff, and indie label famed for launching the careers of artists such as Zola, Ishmael, DJ Cleo and DJ Sbu. She has also served as a member of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) steering committee which is in charge of the South African Music Awards (SAMA). Mpumi Phillips has published articles regarding music clearance and music supervisory in Screen Africa a magazine which is a guide to filmmakers throughout Africa, as well as The Callsheet, a film industry guide.

MICHAEL MOETI (SA)

CEO – SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC WEEK

Michael is creative multimedia entrepreneur and business strategist with more than 25 years’ experience in the arts/entertainment/media industry. He has pioneered the careers of top artists in both Canada and South Africa. He is currently the founder and CEO of South African Music Week and the South African coordinator of Canadian Music Week (SAMW), an annual international music conference festival and expo in Toronto. As the CEO of South African Music, his passion for unearthing new talent to launch globally continues.

MIKE TANNER (CA)

TORONTO’S MUSIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

As part of the City’s Film & Entertainment team, Mike works with the music community across Toronto, supporting the industry to help it achieve its potential as a major generator of economic benefit and a touchstone of Toronto’s culture while advocating for the interests of the music business in policies developed at City Hall.
Mike’s own experience as a musician includes many years performing, touring, and recording. Prior to joining the City, he was Director of Operations for the North by Northeast Festival.

MUNYARADZI CHANETSA (SA)

A&R MANAGER – SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING SA

Munyaradzi (Munya) has dedicated his professional life to the business of music and entertainment. He is currently employed as A&R Manager: Africa for Sony ATV Music Publishing South Africa. With over 10 years experience in the music and entertainment space he also has vast experience in the sourcing, licensing, curation, creation, monetization, and distribution of audio and visual content. He has extensive experience across the continent due to directly engaging with mobile and online platforms, independent record labels, artists and publishers.

Further, as an employee of Sony ATV Music Publishing, Munya has given presentations and attended key forums centered around copyright across South Africa, Angola, Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria. Before joining Sony, Munya was employed as the Head of Licensing for the Composer, Author and Publishing Association of South Africa. Prior to that he was the Head of Operations: Africa at Content Connect Africa from 2009 – 2019 and prior to that he was the Head of Marketing and Promotions for Putumayo World Music in South Africa from 2007 to 2009.

NEILL DIXON (CA)

PRESIDENT – CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

Neill Dixon, who heads Canadian Music Week, has a 45-year history in Canada’s music industry, and has played a significant role in its growth and international development. Neill launched Canadian Music Week in 1983, and since then it has become the most important single event in this country’s music industry. The event is longest running Conference/Festival in North America. In recent years Neill has introduced a number of Canadian Awards shows, a film festival, the Canadian International Comedy Fest, and new talent searches. Neill has also put his extensive world-wide database to good use by passionately promoting Canada’s best export ready artists and built CMW’s importance as an export development engine. With his team, they have organized trade summit initiatives with governments around the world and have worked closely with sponsors in all levels of the Canadian government. As Neill puts it: “It is our mission to build bridges of trade and culture between Canada and the world.”

PAUL SHAVER (CA)

PRESIDENT-CANADIAN MUSICAL REPRODUCTION RIGHTS AGENCY LTD

Paul Shaver is President of the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd., a SoundExchange company. Appointed CMRRA President in October of 2019 with a mandate to refine and expand the services the agency provides the publishing community, Shaver previously served as Vice President of Nielsen Entertainment Canada, where he was instrumental in the launch of the Music Connect platform that provides improved data transparency to publishers and the music industry at large. A dynamic leader with over 25 years experience as an executive at Virgin, EMI, Universal Music Canada and Open Road Records/RGK Entertainment, Shaver has had a hand in the careers of such homegrown talent as Anne Murray, Nickelback, Serena Ryder, Dean Brody and Johnny Reid, and international superstars including Katy Perry, Coldplay, Lorde, Keith Urban and Imagine Dragons, among others.

PATRICK ROGERS (CA)

CEO MUSIC CANADA

Patrick Rogers is the newly appointed CEO of Music Canada. He first joined Music Canada in 2016 with the goal of innovating Music Canada’s advocacy strategy. In that time, Music Canada led the charge in reforming the Copyright Board of Canada, advocated for an improved Ontario Music Investment Fund and rallied cultural industry stakeholders during the parliamentary review of the Copyright Act. Prior to joining Music Canada, Patrick enjoyed a rewarding eight years in federal politics as a staffer. For four years in the Prime Minister’s Office, Patrick focused on crisis management, parliamentary affairs and truly understanding the machinery of government. Patrick’s work in politics ended as the Director of Policy to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, where he worked on everything from preparing the government for Canada’s sesquicentennial, to copyright to Parliament Hill’s sound and light show.

PIERRE-LOUIS PINEL (CA)

CANADIAN ARTS COUNCIL

Pierre-Louis is a proud Franco-Ontarian Canadian.
As a child, Pierre-Louis toured across Canada with a musical troupe that recorded 14 albums and went on to a be a national television series. He also worked in radio as host for an early morning jazz program before joining the team at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. While at the jazz festival, Pierre-Louis programmed the world music series. He also programmed the music stage at Ottawa’s children’s theatre festival. In 2007, Pierre-Louis began working at the Canada Council for the Arts as a Program Officer in the Music Section. He is currently a Program Officer in the Arts Across Canada and Arts Abroad programs. The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder. The Council’s grants, services, initiatives, prizes, and payments contribute to the vibrancy of a creative and diverse arts and literary scene and support its presence across Canada and abroad. The Council’s investments foster greater engagement in the arts among Canadians and international audiences.

RICARDO DA COSTA (SA)

DIRECTOR – SOULCANDI

Ricardo da Costa,director of South Africa’s most well-respected dance label by day (Soul Candi Music) and a highly sought-after DJ by night, Ricardo’s world revolves around music—and it’s clear that he’s got all bases covered. His special gift for finding dance-floor diamonds has led to some of the most successful dance releases in South African music history. With a growing repertoire of highly-successful releases behind him— (nine to date and the tenth on the way) Ricardo has consistently brought his distinct flavour and contagious enthusiasm for House music to South Africa’s ever-evolving party scene. He has held his own alongside some of the most legendary DJs and producers worldwide: Erick Morillo, Pete Tong, Deadmau5, Alex Kenji, Bass Kleph, Sasha, Paul van Dyk, Martin Solveig, Sandy Rivera, Junior Jack, Kid Creme, Tall Pall, Tiesto, Tom Novy, Axwell, PleasureKraft, Bingo Players, Dubfire, Sharam, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Carl Cox and David Guetta— Ricardo’s been there, done that!

SARAH HASHAM (CA)

VICE-PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AT MUSIC CANADA.

Sarah Hashem is Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives at Music Canada. Along with her colleagues, Sarah advocates for the fair value of music. She leads strategies that amplify the music ecosystem and enable artists to earn a sustainable living. Her work and volunteer engagement span a wide variety of interests from civic engagement to economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Sarah is a proponent of social innovation and enjoys challenging social and business norms. She holds a bachelor in Business & Society and a Masters in Management of Development. She is a CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow and an alumnus of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

SIYA METANE (SA)

FOUNDER: SLIKOURONLIFE

Siya Metane, well-known in the music industry as Slikour, has a heart for music and a head for business. He’s passed through numerous rites of passage – some hard, some disheartening, some positive – but all adding to the skills and insight of a man building new digital platforms for companies to build their brands on.
He immersed himself in the business of building his digital platform for news and videos from the music industry – but struggled with the commercial aspect of his vision. “I knew that content was in hand, but that a commercial strategy was key to the platform.” Metane established SlikourOnLife, a platform for sharing information on urban culture and music, featuring videos and interviews to give substance to the music and to musicians who may not have access to traditional platforms, and offering a more cohesive and accessible place for their videos than YouTube.
We’re creating communities that brands can plug into authentically. We’re selling what no digital agency can sell – we’re selling the truth, the culture, and we’re bringing worlds together. We create the space where talk moves from content to the brands, and we have the analytics to determine the return on investment by brands on the platform.”
Metane’s passion for music is ever the driver behind his astute and innovative business initiatives, and he thrives in the world that gives brands a voice to tell the bigger story.

SYLVESTER CHAUKE (SA)

FOUNDER: DNA BRAND ARCHITECTS

Soweto-born architect and founder and chief of DNA Brand Architects, Sylvester Chauke at the age of 37 has made the 2018 list of 100 Most Influential Young Africans.
He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Honors for Marketing Communication at the University of Johannesburg. In his second year of University, he took an internship at DraftFCB, working on the Vodacom and FNB accounts, among others. Between 2006 – 2010, He was the National Marketing Manager at Nandos and then in 2010, he went on to be the Director for the Marketing and Communication for MTV Networks and Africa. In 2012, Sylvester established DNA Brand Architects; a marketing and brand consultancy that works with some of the most revered brands on the continent.He is also one of the 22 young leaders from around the world to sit at the Advisory Council for the World Economic Forum Global Shapers. His most recent achievement was the All Africa Young Business Leader of the Year award for 2017.
Other Achievements include; Mail & Guardian Top 300 Young South Africans (2009); GQ Magazine Most Influential Young Man under 35 (2009); Best Leadership Award, MTV Networks Africa (2011; Men’s Health Magazine, 20 Most Influential Men (2014); World Economic Forum Global Shapers (2011 – present); Curator of the WEF Global Shapers Johannesburg Hub (2013 – 2014) Board Member: South African State Theatre (2014 – to date), Council Member: Africa Month; Department of Arts and Culture (2015 – to date) SA Premier Business Awards, Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2015) BBQ -Young Achiever of the Year (2015), Oliver Top Empowered Young Achiever of the Year (2016)

THOMAS BECKMAN (CA)

MUSIC COMPOSER & TEACHER

CMC associate composer and violist, Thomas Beckman (b.1984) serves as Festival composer for the Artists for Conservation (2015 – present), in-house-composer for MillsPictures Studio, and film composer for the ongoing Promising Practices documentary series. As an active musician Thomas additionally serves as principal violist of the Prince George Symphony, lead violist for Vancouver entertainment group Sons of Granville, and violist for the Arbutus Duo. His projects have varied widely from film scores for independent shorts and documentaries to concert music commissions by such groups as the Borealis String Quartet, the Vancouver Youth Choir, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Prince George Symphony, the Postmodern Camerata, the Vancouver Symphony and the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.
Recent concert classical works consist of the ‘St Roch Suite’ premiered by the Prince George Symphony and Jude Neale (March 2019), ‘Flux’ premiered by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (April 2019), ‘Tango,’ the ‘Engine Room’ and ‘Quella’ all dedicated to and premiered by the Borealis String Quartet (June 2017, 2018 and 2019), and ‘Life in the Universe’ commissioned by H.R MacMillan Space Centre and newly released on Redshift Records.

THERESHO SELESHO (SA)

OPPIKOPPI

Theresho graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BAdmin in International Relations. He is a dynamic creative entrepreneur, who is driven by his passion for the development of people specifically in the creative industry.
Theresho honed his skills in the live music and entertainment industry during his time at Hilltop Live where he held various positions from logistics manager, production manager, project management and ended up establishing a Sponsorship and Rights business within the group which helped commercial brands leverage the power of music events and artists to better connect with their audiences and saw huge success in building strong partnerships between, music properties and various global brands that helped in the development of the sector and all
Selesho has produced several key national events, stage productions, facilitated international cultural exchanges with various cultural desks with partnerships across Europe. These programs include the development and execution of strategies to help artists and production crews connect with their counter parts in festival environments with the main aim being the exchange of skills, knowledge and showcasing for to new markets. Theresho currently hold several leadership positions, which include being a CEO an entertainment business called Matchbox LIVE, which owns the OppiKoppi Festival, DRUMBeat Festival, Alchemy Festival, The Rhythm, and several other music properties. He is also a co-owner of the ABE, which is a mix use space in the heart of the City of Tshwane, The African Beer Emporium hosts several music and cultural events, from TEDxPretoria, creative workshops, showcases and other lifestyle events that form part of inner-city development program which is being driven by a network of entrepreneurs and property developers within the city.

VINCENT DEGIORGIO (CA)

CEO: CUMBA MUSIC PUBLISHING

Vincent Degiorgio Is the president and CEO of Cymba Music Publishing, based in Toronto. Cymba is home to artists such as Laur Elle, Talltale, Logan Richard, Keshia Chante and Reeny Smith. Cymba’s diverse music roster is akin to Vince’s CD and vinyl collection, which may be the reason jazz guitarist Sam Wilson or harpist Sarah Page are also a part of the Cymba family. Recently, Cymba’s team includes writer/producer Davor Vulama from Vancouver and new signings Jordan Best and Grammy nominated Anwar McDonald. An award-winning songwriter himself, Vince has been recently re-elected as chair of the Music Publishers Canada for a third term, and also serves on the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame board of directors. A passionate, creative first, advocate for music, his past experiences includes working for RCA Records in New York (signing NSync in the process) and forming one of English Canada’s most vibrant dance labels in the youth of his career which he still owns and operates today. Away from the business, Vince is a known traveler, spending significant time in Japan with his family.

WISEMAN QINANI NGUBO (SA)

COO

Wiseman Qinani Ngubo is an experienced executive who is currently heads the Chief Operations Officer at Africa’s fastest growing collective management organisation. As part of his role, he has been involved in ensuring the initiation and sustained growth of broadcast and digital licensing on the continent. Through this experience, Wiseman has obtained crucial technical expertise relating to the licensing and usage music both traditional broadcast me+diums as well as in the digital environment. Wiseman has led teams that have seen the successful multi-territorial licensing of services such as Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, MultiChoice etc. Such licenses have seen the growth of subscription services across various parts of the African continent. Wiseman is also involved in various lobbying efforts in South Africa aimed at ensuring that the legal reform which is currently underway protects the rights of creatives. in this light, he was selected as one of 5 experts tasked with advising the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on the Copyright Amendment Bill