On Thursday, 17 July, the Music Imbizo announced a partnership with the National Arts Council (NAC) for The Music Imbizo 2025, reaffirming its dedication to empowering South African musicians and enhancing the nation’s creative economy.
The NAC is a public entity tasked with the support, promotion, and advancement of the arts in South Africa. Founded in 1997, the NAC emphasises inclusivity, innovation, and transformation, providing funding to individual artists, arts organisations, and projects that significantly contribute to the sector’s growth.
The Music Imbizo serves as an international music business conference and exhibition, which also features a film and music festival. This conference takes place in Durban, South Africa, during the last week of August.
The Music Imbizo brings together a diverse array of music industry stakeholders in a single venue to explore innovative and exciting pathways for the music sector across the African continent. It serves as a platform for showcasing talent, networking, sharing expertise, and conducting business.
For performing artists, it offers a stage before some of the most influential figures in the music business value chain, while also providing opportunities for artists to engage in audience development experimentation.
Through this collaboration, the NAC facilitates musicians’ access to platforms for performance, business growth, and global networking opportunities. At The Music Imbizo 2025, the NAC will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of South African talent, ensuring they are recognised, heard, and supported.
“This collaboration is a natural fit. The Music Imbizo is dedicated to the business of music, and the NAC’s support helps artists not only showcase their craft but also develop the skills and knowledge to build sustainable careers in a competitive industry.”
“In collaboration, we are developing a creative sector that is more inclusive, innovative, and economically empowered, ensuring that artists succeed on both local and international platforms,” stated The Music Imbizo in a press release.