The IKS team travelled the globe in 2024 to secure networks and lobby and advocate for the company’s programmes.
June: Maputo – Mozambican Explorations
Our exploration project in Mozambique focuses on cultural exchanges and artistic collaborations, enriching our understanding of regional artistic practices. As neighbors, South Africa and Mozambique share common histories and challenges. Maputo is the closest seaport to Johannesburg in the region, and many opportunities present themselves for both countries to engage in cultural exchange and foster social cohesion. By overcoming barriers such as language and historical divisions created by colonial powers, partnerships between the two nations could encourage trade, peace, and prosperity, while working together to overcome mutual challenges as part of a united Africa.
In June 2024, a diverse South African group visited Maputo, Mozambique, organized by the Turquoise Harmony Institute and joined by consultants Christene Msibi and James French. The trip aimed to foster understanding and explore collaborations between the two countries. Key objectives included engaging with local institutions and learning about the Hizmet Movement’s contributions to education. The delegation included notable figures from various fields, who observed cultural differences, religious tolerance, and opportunities for artistic collaboration. The visit emphasized the potential for deeper cultural exchanges, and gratitude was expressed to the Hizmet community for their hospitality. Future initiatives are anticipated to strengthen these connections.
Shortly after this trip, Andre Le Roux was a guest speaker at the first Music Industry Hackathon in Maputo. This initiative showcased captivating workshops and soul-stirring performances, imbued with creativity, inspiration from guest speakers and industry leaders, and a chance to connect with fellow music lovers.
June: Sakifo Festival & IOMMa Music Market 2024
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At the end of June, IKS Cultural Consulting’s Managing Director, Andre le Roux, took part in the vibrant Sakifo Festival and the influential IOMMa Music Market in Réunion. (IOMMa: the Indian Ocean Music Market) These events provided a unique opportunity for Andre to engage with music professionals from around the world, including promoters, managers, and industry leaders from countries such as India, Australia, Belgium, Madagascar, Mauritius, and more.
During his participation at IOMMa, Andre facilitated one-on-one meetings with key industry figures, further strengthening IKS’s network in the global music scene. One of the highlights was screening the Concerts SA documentary “Keeping the Music Alive” to a select audience of delegates, showcasing the resilience and growth of South Africa’s live music sector.
Andre also had the privilege of moderating two engaging keynote sessions with prominent South African artist Msaki and Kenyan artist Muthoni Drummer Queen. These discussions provided invaluable insights into the careers of these celebrated artists and were well-received by attendees.
July: Johannesburg – SASRIM, SAJE
IKS participated in the South African Association for Jazz Education (SAJE) and South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM) conferences, which coincided at the Wits School of Arts from 26 to 28 July 2024.
SAJE’s theme explored the powerful role of South African Jazz in promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange, particularly within the context of the digital age. The conference featured a variety of engaging activities, including masterclasses, panel discussions, film screenings, and performances by talented artists. The Concerts SA documentary was launched as part of the SAJE conference, and Andre Le Roux presented on a panel discussion entitled The global creative sector & the rise of Jazz in the next era.
Gwen Ansell presented the results of the Swiss research on incomes in the Jazz sector, titled Getting and Spending, at the SASRIM conference.
July: Johannesburg – Amapiano Africa Summit: A Platform for Growth and Insight
“Together, we are shaping the future of Amapiano and empowering its creators.”
The Amapiano Africa Summit brought together key voices, industry experts, and passionate enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of the Amapiano genre. One of the highlights was the engaging session, “Where is the money and how to manage it,” which was facilitated by IKS’s Managing Director, Andre Le Roux. Held on Saturday, 20 July 2024, at the BMW Building in Newtown, Johannesburg, the session offered valuable insights into financial management in the music industry.
Participants were encouraged to collaborate ahead of the panel discussion by introducing themselves, exchanging ideas, and aligning on the session’s style and objectives. This approach ensured a cohesive and impactful discussion that left attendees inspired and equipped with practical tools to navigate the financial aspects of their careers.
#AmapianoSummit #AmapianoGrowth #IndustryInsights
November: A Major Milestone at CANEX
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In November 2024, IKS’s Managing Director, Andre Le Roux, flew around the world to meet with music industry leaders and arts champions. His travel route was anything but ordinary—an intense series of flights and meetings that saw him crisscrossing continents. From Johannesburg to Istanbul, then to Algiers for CANEX, before returning via Istanbul to Manchester, followed by a quick detour to London and back to Manchester for the WOMEX panel. Finally, after a whirlwind of meetings and networking, Andre made his way back to Johannesburg.
“It was an arduous trip,” Andre reflects. “You’ll probably see me half-awake in most of the photos.”
One of the major highlights of Andre’s trip occurred at CANEX in Algiers, where Afreximbank made a groundbreaking announcement: the bank will be increasing its financing of the creative industries in Africa over the next three years from US$1 billion to US$3 billion. As the Southern African Ambassador for the African Culture Fund, Andre was well-positioned to seize this opportunity.
Thanks to his strong connection with Mamu Daffe, head of the African Culture Fund and a member of the CANEX board, Andre was invited to a high-level meeting with representatives from Afreximbank. The discussion centered on potential research collaborations and partnerships between the African Culture Fund, IKS Cultural Consulting, and the bank. The team was pleased to share their research, and contact details were exchanged, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful partnership.
For more details on the CANEX panel discussions, visit the African Culture Fund’s LinkedIn page.
Connecting Across Continents
During CANEX, the IKS team also established new connections with colleagues from the Caribbean. One of these was Marielle, who had previously worked with Prof. Brett Pyper, a key figure within IKS. Another notable connection was with Dr. Erika K. Smith, head of the Copyright Society in Barbados. Andre looks forward to further collaboration on research and projects with these international counterparts.
Advocacy and Mobility at WOMEX
Following CANEX, Andre flew to Manchester to participate in WOMEX, a prominent event focused on the global music scene. At WOMEX, Andre joined a panel discussion on advocacy and mobility, which was facilitated by Ruth Daniel, the CEO of In Place of War—a powerful NGO that uses music to foster social change in countries like South Africa, Lebanon, and Colombia. In Place of War won the prestigious WOMEX Award this year, a testament to their impactful work.
At the event, Andre had the opportunity to connect with several industry professionals, including a special dinner hosted by Ruth Daniel at the HipHop Chip Shop. These valuable connections are set to play an important role in future collaborative efforts.
For more on the WOMEX event, check out the following links:
- WOMEX Manchester – post from Gwendolenn Sharp
- Post from Lutz Möller, Deputy Secretary-General at the German Commission for UNESCO
A Brief Stop in London
During a brief one-day trip to London, Andre also made time to visit several important venues. He met with Paul Pace at Ronnie Scott’s, where he crossed paths with South African musicians Bokani Dyer and Sandile Gontsana. He also explored the Africa Centre with Deelie Dube, the Conduit Club with the Maharishi Institute, and the African College Foundation, which has received R100 million worth of buildings from Anglo American. The Foundation is proposing potential music partnerships with IKS and Concerts SA, and has invited IKS to a gala dinner at the end of November.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Opportunities
In the near future, Andre will be traveling to Rwanda to attend the ACCESS conference, where he will present the Concerts SA documentary alongside Annabell Lebethe, CEO of SAMRO. This upcoming presentation is part of the ongoing efforts to expand IKS’s influence and foster deeper connections within the global music and creative industries.
Through these journeys and partnerships, Andre continues to play a crucial role in lobbying for increased support for African culture and the arts on the global stage.