09 Jul 2017

Convener of Botswana International Music Conference (BIMC) is looking to transform and harmonise the entertainment industry so as to have maximum results that will see the sector tap into its huge potential of being a serious gamer in the economy of Botswana.

Speaking at a press brief on the upcoming event slated for November 28-30, convenor, Seabelo Modibe said this year BIMC intends to give focus on digital media.

“The music industry has gone fully digital according IFPI Music Industry Report of 2017. Digital share of revenue stands at 50 per cent and has grown by 17.7 per cent as compared to 2016 while physical has fallen by 7.5 per cent and the growth in streaming is up by 60.4 per cent worldwide,” he said.

He said many sub-sectors and industries were non-existent in Botswana.

“Our interest is to invite people trading in these areas to open shop here. Some of these are CD pressing plants.While a majority are closing shop in South Africa, it is an opportunity here as we don’t have one. There are many others that we will look at as a way of creating full time employment,” continued Modibe.

Modibe further said some of the areas of focus for BIMC 2017 going onto 2020 included, among others, industrialisation of the music industry, promotion of artistes mobility, promotion of the live music circuit, participation of Botswana’s artistes in major regional festivals and events, open opportunities for Botswana content to be available on major digital retailers globally and bringing local industry players like government and regulators closer to industry players.

Touching on some of BIMC’s achievements since it started in 2015, Mr Modibe said they had managed to drum up collaborations with KUMISA and KwaZulu Natal Music Imbizo.

“Plan is that over the next 36 months they will assist us with developing short courses on artiste management and music publishing. This will be offered to those who have an interest in this field and then later offer attachments to the best performing students to top management and publishing companies in South Africa for three months,” he said.

He noted that they had also managed to convince Sheer Music Publishing to open office in Botswana at full operation and that consequently 10 full time jobs would be created.

“We have also created an opportunity with Igoda to set up a festival in Botswana in 2018. This means our artistes and promoters will be exposed and have an opportunity to perform at Bushfire, Azgo, Zakifo, Sakifo and Africa Day Festivals,” said Modibe.

Modibe also shered that they would be attending the KwaZulu Natal Music Imbizo in August.

“We are planning to participate again, send artistes and behind the scenes people to attend.This is subject to funding as our projects are heavily reliant on funding. Already confirmation of some local speakers has been done.I can definitely announce that Massie Hule will be one of them this year and there is also an intention to host a Botswana Night,” he said.

He said they are also intending on hosting a BIMC Roundtable in August.

“We have also received invitations to submit traditional music to Moshito Music Conference and also Lesotho Arts Week has asked us to participate in their event to share insights about how we have been instrumental to Botswana music industry,” he revealed.

Some of the sponsors to come aboard this project include Avani, Yarona Fm, Brand Plus and KEB-Digital, Online Media and Content Generation.

He noted that entrance to the conference would be free. ENDS