At a press conference in Newtown, Johannesburg, Moshito chairman Andre le Roux gave details of the partnership and also advised music industry professionals and those in related industries (like advertising, film production) to set aside 1 to 3 September for Moshito 2010 which takes place at Museum Africa, Newtown.
"Anyone who attended last year will know that we really stepped up Moshito's activities in 2009," he said. "But we're not resting on our laurels and are currently planning a programme that will see the best local and international experts address the key issues facing the South African music industry."
A strong focus this year will be in giving artists the tools to increase access to music markets outside the country. This has always been an integral part of Moshito's conference programme and has also spurred the organisation's partnerships, with the likes of the Indian Ocean Music Network, WOMEX, and Equation Musique.
But 2010 has Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition formalise this commitment to boost SA music trade with a partnership with the South African Music Export Council.
SAMEX's objectives are creating opportunities for economic growth through a vibrant export culture in music that promotes innovation, creativity, access, wealth generation, equity and development. Over the past few years, it has pursued this objective by several means, including providing supporting services to exporting businesses, ensuring a consistent South African presence at key music-focused events, festivals and trade shows, lobbying on the music industry sector's behalf to reduce international trade barriers, enhance trade and provide opportunities to expand small and micro black-owned music enterprises.
David Alexander, SAMEX chairman, said: "Our partnership with Moshito allows us to build on work that is part of Moshito's focus and, in turn, to focus on achieving our goals of the growth of exports of South African Music products and services
One of the real growth areas in 2009 were the Moshito Showcases, which had the likes of bassist Bakithi Khumalo and current Afro-swamp/rockers BLK JKS, play to an enthusiastic response from delegates and music fans.
This commitment to supporting South African artists of all levels is also what's driving Moshito's "Moshito does iDiski!" programme taking place during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
Partnering with artists and 15 venues throughout Johannesburg, "Moshito Does iDiski!" is a programme of 40 gigs. From Newtown to Soweto, from Mabopane to Hatfield and Melville runs until 8 July 2010, covering every conceivable genre.
