Launched in September 2024, this groundbreaking partnership between festivals in South Africa empowers festival organizers and promotes cultural events. This initiative enhances the economic viability of festivals across the region.

Supporting live music, we encouraged artists to apply for Concerts SA Mobility Subsidies, and are helping selected live-music tours around South Africa and the SADC region.

Celebrating Africa Month, we promoted South Africa's cultural richness with 11 events across the country.

In May, we premiered the documentary Keeping the Music Alive by filmmaker Lloyd Ross, featuring artists Neo Muyanga and Msaki. The documentary was screened to audiences from Reunion, Mozambique, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Belgium, Norway, and a whole range of South African partners and beneficiaries. This film celebrates a decade of Concerts SA's impact on live music.🎼

In collaboration with Avalanche Studios, we introduced an African flavor to Call of the Wild: The Angler™, showcasing South Africa’s cultural heritage in gaming.🐘

Public speaker David Chislett inspired artists with his Be Your Own Muse! workshop, helping them unlock their potential and "superpowers." 💪

South African Jazz Musicians’ Earnings and Expenditure (Commissioned by Pro Helvetia)

This research sheds light on the context and impact of the Swiss-South African Jazz Income Relief Fund, which played a crucial role in supporting artists during challenging times. From it we have found that very little research has been done in this area, and IKS would be excited to continue this research area across other genres and African Countries.

(Commissioned by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation)

IKS completed a report on a study initiated by the Concerts SA project into the experiences of women in the live music industry in South Africa. ‘The findings of this report are striking and call for our immediate attention. With 75% of respondents identifying as women, the data reveals a stark reality: over 60% of women experience inappropriate gender-related remarks, and a staggering 68% feel unsafe while commuting to work during late hours.’ (Annabel Lebethe, CEO of SAMRO)

Gwen Ansell presented the women in live music research at the Ladies on Bass workshop run by Concord Nkabinde, Aus Thebza and Denay Willie. It was also presented as part of SAMRO's Women' s Month Seminar.

In alignment with our ongoing support for artists, we were thrilled to participate in the Hamburg Music Business Market Entry Program. This initiative helped both German and South African artists expand their international reach.

Through the World Jazz Network 🌏, we fostered connections between South African and Indian artists.🎶

The World Jazz Conference was held in Amersfoort, Netherlands, in 2024. This event gathered jazz enthusiasts, musicians, and industry professionals from around the globe to celebrate and collaborate. As a core partner to this conference, IKS works closely with the festivals to encourage future collaborations.

From Mozambique to Manchester, we’ve built global networks to advocate for cultural programs. 🌐

In 2024, our work appeared in multiple media outlets 📺, including:

…and many more!

With 2024 wrapped up, we’re gearing up for 2025! 🚀 From Johannesburg hosting the G20 Summit 🌍 to expanding research into live music venues 🎶, we’re excited to keep supporting South Africa’s cultural sector.