Moshito announces new executive

Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition announced the new executive after the organisation’s Annual General Meeting. The incoming executive is made up of King Phatudi-Mphahlele (Chairperson), Tholsi Pillay (Vice Chairperson), Sipho Sithole (Treasurer), Musa Manzini (Exco Member) and Lee Walters (General Manager). Although eligible, outgoing chair Andre Le Roux, as well as directors Peter Tladi and Sbu Tshabalala did not make themselves available for reappointment. The AGM took place on 30 November in Johannesburg at the SAB World of Beer.

Now in its eighth year, Moshito – as it is known – is focused even more keenly on its objective of broadening the business intelligence of music industry professionals in South Africa and the continent, strengthening business networks for participants and informing delegates, traders and the public about the multifaceted and dynamic nature of the global music industry.

After three years at the helm, outgoing Chairman and SAMRO Endowment General Manager Andre le Roux reflected on the positives and strategic opportunities in place that makes Moshito “an exciting prospect”. He said there was stability within the organisation, Moshito was recognised as a brand nationally and internationally, and there is a strong focus on live music.

Le Roux also cited opportunities for synergy with the French season in SA and French and SA Season in France during 2012 and 2013; the Goethe Institute and the sub Saharan music portal, as well as the opportunity to lobby support at the upcoming EUNIC gathering taking place in Johannesburg later this week. Le Roux said promises by the Department of Arts and Culture to include Moshito in its Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy and increase its funding allocation would be a major boost to the organisation.

Le Roux had warm words for his successor King Phatudi-Mphahlele.  “The ship is now in your custody… you have a strong crew who can steer this ship through stormy waters.

The Board of Directors for the coming year includes:

1. King Phatudi-Mphahlele (Moshito Chairperson) representing National Organisation for Reproduction Rights in Music (NORM)

2. Tholsi Pillay (Moshito Vice Chairperson) representing the Music Managers Forum of South Africa (MMFSA)

3. Sipho Sithole (Moshito Treasurer) representing the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO)

4. Musa Manzini (Moshito Executive Member) representing the Composers Association of South Africa (CASA)

5. Simon Sibanda (NORM)

6. Mhlanganisi Masoga (SAMRO)

7. Steve Mashiya (South African Music Promoters Association – SAMPA)

8. Sam Mhangwani (SAMPA)

9. Oupa Lebogo (Creative Workers Union of South Africa – CWUSA)

10. Mangaliso Ngema (CWUSA)

11. Ron Brettel (CASA)

12. George Lusenga (Association of Independent Recording Companies – AIRCO)

13. Vusi Leeuw (AIRCO)

Moshito Member Organisations include:

• Association of Independent Recording Companies (AIRCO)

• Composers Association of South Africa (CASA)

• Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA)

• Music Managers Forum of South Africa (MMFSA)

• Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO)

• National Organisation for Reproduction Rights in Music (NORM)

• South African Music Promoters Association (SAMPA)