Surprise cocktail party for Sipho Hotstix Mabuse in Camps Bay ahead of his upcoming 70th birthday on November 2. Martin Myers, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and artist, Dennis Woest. Picture : Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
By Robin Adams
The 70th birthday celebrations for one of South Africa’s most legendary musical talent’s, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, has officially begun.
The big day isn’t until November 2, but friends and industry colleagues took advantage of his brief visit to Cape Town on Wednesday night to throw him a surprise cocktail party in Bakoven.
Politicians, music minds, journalists, friends and family – a small group of guests were lucky enough to crack an invite to this exclusive gathering.
Mabuse’s daughter Naledi and husband Mandla Sibeko jetted in from Johannesburg to surprise her dad.
“I am so humbled,” Hotstix Mabuse told Weekend Argus. “I didn’t expect this. When you’re surrounded by such wonderful people, it just makes you feel very special. And tonight is just wow! I didn’t know I mean so much to my fellow South Africans. And I am grateful for that.”
It was a night where political rivalries were put aside. GOOD’s mayoral candidate Brett Herron arrived without his boxing gloves, while Western Cape Premier Alan Winde of the DA, exchanged pleasantries with guests. The campaigning ahead of November 1’s local government elections took a backseat.
And it was all for Mabuse, one of the most recognisable names in South African entertainment. His association with his current record label Gallo, stretches back 50 years.
Martin Myers, the event organiser, said: “I think it was an incredible evening of warmth, generosity and celebration. It was the coming together and energy of people. And the love that South Africans have for Sipho, and particularly in Cape Town. It is wonderful now to celebrate icons who are alive.”
The almost-70 year old Mabuse was presented with a one-of-a-kind plaque from a South African music monitoring company which had meticulously tracked the impacts and number of radio plays Mabuse’s music got over a six-year period. That number is an eye watering 300 million plays, and it is that number that is splashed all across this incredible plaque.
And if that birthday gift wasn’t special enough, Mabuse was also handed a larger than life portrait of himself. This was the second version by Dennis Woest. The first was stolen from an art gallery in Durban in 2016.
And what would any celebration be without Mabuse’s most famous tune, “Burn out”? It truly is a song that has stood the test of time. Even he still gets “excited” when the DJ spins this early 1980s classic. “It’s still humbling that people after these years still relate to the song the same way. When I was filming a commercial the other day, and how the little kids were responding to the song, that for me does it all.”
Fans will be delighted to know that Mabuse is releasing new material soon. He’s tight lipped on the details. “There’s new music coming out. Just wait for it!”
Coping with the fallout of the Covid-19 Crisis takes centre stage at the entertainment-economy-focused conference, Music Exchange.
The conference, which is in its 11th year, was put together by Martin Myers in 2009 as a way for music professionals to discuss the financial aspects of the music industry.
The emergence of Covid-19 early last year has put a sharper focus on money matters, as live entertainment in particular has been negatively affected by the pandemic.
According to CEO of Big Concerts Justin van Wyk, about 800,000 people in the South African entertainment industry have lost their livelihoods.
“The cultural and creative industries contribute over R74 billion to the South African economy and have a total economic impact of R241 billion per annum,” said van Wyk to The Citizen. This has resulted in a combined loss of over R600 billion across related sectors.
A PwC survey also stated that South Africa’s live music industry was hardest hit in 2020 due to cancellation of events, economic disruptions, and a shift in consumer behaviour.
Based on research gathered from 697 respondents, 90% of the live music industry lost income due to Covid-19, while 25% indicated that they would not be able to continue with any elements of their business under lockdown regulations.
Musician, RJ Benjamin’s experience highlighted how the industry had to adapt quickly as result of the crisis. Like many, he assumed that it would only last a few months, but when he started to grasp that it was going be around for a while, it forced him to pivot quickly.
Though live gigs we not happening, Benjamin, who is better known to the public as a singer, figured he could still produce music from home.
How this music ended up being produced surprised him. Instead of putting together an advertising jingle through Zoom or a similar platform, it was done via WhatsApp. The efficiency of this surprised him as it proved there was no need to have a fully equipped studio and four advertising executives to put together a tune.
The crisis also forced Benjamin to ask himself a pertinent question. “Have I been paid every Cent that I’m owed?”
It turns out he was owed some money in terms of music rights like live performances and needle time, which he duly collected.
Ready to adapt
Music Exchange itself was affected by the pandemic as for the second time it had to operate virtually.
Going virtual, however, could very well be an advantage for the conference as this year, it partnered with MTN’s messaging app, Ayoba. This move gave it a potential audience of 500,000, which is far bigger than if it were to be hosted in its previous venue, the Cape Town City Hall.
Music Exchange partners with Ayoba (Music Exchange)
“This partnership with Ayoba gives all of its active users access to our content, which we look to share with creatives right across the continent.
“In growing our reach, we get to share our voice by investing decades-worth of insights, learnings, best practice and practical advice that before now was severely lacking. It’s an honour and an exciting next chapter for MEX in helping turn raw talent into commercial success for everyone on the ayoba platform,” said Myers.
Ayoba, offers free instant messaging, voice and video calling, games, music, news, entertainment news, and other content, and allows MEX users to access its content on one of Ayoba’s channels called The Daily Plug via free subscription.
The channels currently have over 400,000 subscribers and offers 40 other channels, including playlists and artist spotlight channels.
“Ayoba is delighted to partner with MEX,” said Ayoba’s head of consumer marketing Olivier Prentout.
‘The education they will be provided [with] via our platform fits so well with our values to entertain, educate and uplift.”
This year, the virtual conference runs from September 11 to October 2, and will cost you R100 for a single ticket.
Lauded and awarded for its consistent commitment to the broader South African music industry, #MEX21 runs until 2 October 2021, with a wealth of quality international and local speakers.
Our Keynote speaker, from Australia, is Michael Smellie. He speaks about the seven deadly sins of the music business. Michael’s career in the music business spans more than 25 years. He has worked across five continents as former Global Chief Operations Officer of Sony BMG, Asia Pacific Head for BMG, and Managing Director of Polygram and rooArt in Australia.
Michael is an investor, adviser and board member to many start-ups’ creative businesses in Australia and the United States and is currently the Board Chair of the Music Council of Australia.
Stuart Rubin, from New Zealand, speaks about the importance of the song and looking to legacy for wisdom and inspiration as well as unpacking Elvis 30 Number 1’s and Neil Diamond. In 2001 he moved to New York, becoming Senior VP International for BMG. Following the merger with SONY, three years later, Stuart was made Senior VP International of Commercial Marketing.
Stuart’s interview reveals a person fascinated with people, whether they are artists or music lovers. With his long experience in selling music to a global market, and as an A&R professional, he delivers a unique perspective on the industry.
Gasant Abarder, the author of Hack the Grenade, columnist, and former editor of the Cape Times & Argus speaks to the Cape Town reality for artists and his take on the media landscape in both print and online.
We speak to legacy with producer Greg Cutler, an engineer from London; regarding his relationships with Harari, Hotline and Rabbit, bands that shaped the SA sound that we know and love today.
The #MEX21 speaker line-up includes, but is not limited to: Michael Smellie – Chairman of Music Australia – Australia Jason Grishkoff – Founder SubmitHub – USA Stephen Werner – Station Manager @ KFM – RSA Stuart Rubin – Former Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing for Sony BMG – New Zealand Gasant Abarder – Author, and former editor at Independent Newspapers – RSA Gillian Ezra – Group Head of Commercial – simfy africa, MusicTime, Ayoba Phenyo Gasebonoe – Digital Content Manager at Ayoba, Africa’s first Super App – an all in one Instant Messaging Platform – RSA Greg Cutler – Producer engineer visionary proud ambassador of SA Music legacy – UK Melissa Conradie – Music industry specialist, publicist, booker, radio plugger – RSA RJ Benjamin – Artist – RSA Sipho Mabuse – MEX Chairperson and Artist – RSA
#MEX21 talks deliver on what MEX is known and respected for by delivering quality conversations that lead to quantifiable outcomes. In partnership with
#MEX21 hosts entertainment industry thought-leaders and game-changers in 30-to-60-minute presentations on the Ticketpro streaming platform.
For a mere R100 investment, per ticket, #MEX21 delegates will enjoy an all-access pass to the full conference, comprising a series of unmissable keynote addresses and international thought leadership sessions from some of the most relevant and revolutionary minds in the business. Secure your ticket and watch here: https://tickets.heroticket.co.za/thero/shops/985c875Click here to secure your tickets & watch online
MUSIC EXCHANGE (#MEX21), South Africa’s preeminent entertainment-economy-invested conference, returns this September for the 11th consecutive year, hosted by Ticketpro.
Lauded and awarded for its consistent commitment to the broader South African music industry, #MEX21 will run from 11 September to 2 October 2021, with a wealth of quality international and local speakers.
Some of the topics #MEX21 will unpack, in detail, include our streaming reality, the platforms generating engagement (Ayoba) and driving artist’s incomes (SubmitHub), right through to the importance of heritage (MEX Chairman), the state of radio in South Africa (KFM), and just how artists are rebuilding and morphing in response to the pandemic (RJ Benjamin).
Our Keynote speaker, from Australia, is Michael Smellie. He speaks about the seven deadly sins of the music business.
Michael’s career in the music business spans more than 25 years.
He has worked across five continents as former Global Chief Operations Officer of Sony BMG, Asia Pacific Head for BMG, and Managing Director of Polygram and rooArt in Australia.
He is an investor, adviser and board member to many start-ups’ creative businesses in Australia and the United States and is currently the Board Chair of the Music Council of Australia.
Stuart Rubin, from New Zealand, speaks about the importance of the song and looking to legacy for wisdom and inspiration as well as unpacking Elvis 30 Number 1’s and Neil Diamond.
At the height of his career, he was Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing for Sony BMG. Stuart’s career in music started in New Zealand in 1976 with PolyGram.
He “crossed the ditch” to Australia and held several senior marketing roles in PolyGram and BMG, before moving to Hong Kong in the 1990s where he became BMG’s VP of International Marketing for the Asia-Pacific region. In 2001 he moved to New York, becoming Senior VP International for BMG. Following the merger with SONY, three years later, Stuart was made Senior VP International of Commercial Marketing.
Stuart’s interview reveals a person fascinated with people, whether they are artists or music lovers. With his long experience in selling music to a global market, and as an A&R professional, he delivers a unique perspective on the industry.
Gasant Abarder, the author of Hack the Grenade, columnist, and former editor of the Cape Times & Argus speaks to the Cape Town reality for artists and his take on the media landscape in both print and online.
We speak to legacy with producer Greg Cutler, an engineer from London; regarding his relationships with Harari, Hotline and Rabbit, bands that shaped the SA sound that we know and love today.
Despite the past 18 months being the most challenging in MEX’s decade-plus dedication, investment and global outreach, Music Exchange 2021 (#MEX21) is opening its annual industry-focused indaba to the world come 11 September 2021.
Over the past 11 years, MEX has actively informed, partnered and brokered with some of the biggest and most influential players and institutions, with the sole purpose of elevating, educating and sharing a wealth of learning from all four corners of the planet and 2021’s #MEX21 commits to being no different.
If anything, #MEX21 is offering everyone, directly or indirectly professionally affected by the pandemic, an opportunity to explore the possibility of change, with speakers who exemplify talent, success, and perseverance at a time like no other.
MEX has welcomed and hosted the likes of composer Dr Trevor Jones, musician and producer Bryan Michael Cox the Orchard’s Ben Oldfield, Mark Murdoch, Mos Def, Tim Renner, Rachel Z, Tom Novy, Karen Zoid, Siphokazi Jonas, Christian Wright from Abbey Road, Arthur and Charles Goldstuck and Moreira Chonguica among many more, all in an impressive lead up to this year’s impressive list of confirmed speakers.
The #MEX21 speaker line-up includes, but is not limited to:
Stuart Rubin –Former Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing for Sony BMG – New Zealand.
Gasant Abarder –Author, and former editor at Independent Newspapers– RSA.
Greg Cutler – Producer engineer visionary proud ambassador of SA Music legacy – UK.
Melissa Conradie – Music industry specialist, publicist, booker, radio plugger – RSA.
RJ Benjamin – Artist– RSA.
Sipho Mabuse – MEX Chairperson and Artist – RSA.
With more names to follow, #MEX21 talks will deliver on what MEX is known and respected for by delivering quality conversations that lead to quantifiable outcomes.
#MEX21 will host local entertainment industry thought-leaders and game-changers in 30-to-60-minute presentations on the Ticketpro streaming platform.
For a mere R100 investment, per ticket, #MEX21 delegates will enjoy an all-access pass to the full 11-day conference, comprising a series of unmissable keynote addresses and international thought leadership sessions from some of the most relevant and revolutionary minds in the business.
Martin Myers, founder, and convener of the conference remarked “2021 is another big year in Music Exchange’s history. Our collective and ongoing investment to help influence, adapt, evolve and remain relevant in a massively compromised economy sits at the heart of all we do.”
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On Wednesday evening, 1 October, for one-night-only, one of South Africa’s, and indeed the world’s, most admired and respected musicians – Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse – is set to perform at The Lyric Theatre, Johannesburg, in a special, single performance, affair.
Titled Timelessness, a name coined by Mabuse, the show will tip its hat to the masters, taking fans on musical journey filled with extraordinary, one-of-a-kind, performances.
2014 is a momentous year in Mabuse’s 50-year career immersion in music. Not only is it his golden anniversary of his unwavering commitment and contribution to South African music, it is 30 years ago his now 500 000 copy-selling single “Burn Out” changed the face of shape of Afro-pop and township jive like no other song or artist in pop music history.
From his first group, Harari, through to his stellar solo career that spans the better part of his adult life, Mabuse’s Lyric Theatre reveal is going to be jam-packed with so many hits and memories, beyond “Burn Out”, that “we might not be able to fit it in,” he jokes.
Beyond competent and hugely applauded, the magic this musician makes is practically impossible to pigeonhole. Drummer, flautist, alto flautist, pianist, saxophonist, kalimba player, timbale and African drummer, Mabuse’s raw ability and talent know no limit!
His name became synonymous with township jive nearly three decades ago, and today his live performances still present the master’s art as the stuff of legend.
As the musical ambassador for South Africa, performing in virtually every country in Africa and touring the US, England, France, Germany and Italy, amongst many more, Mabuse’s recorded and produced the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri and Sibongile Khumalo.
Head out to The Lyric Theatre, at Gold Reef City, and come celebrate the multiple anniversaries with his friends, peers and contemporaries. Expect tributes, tears and Timelessness aplenty as Sipho”Hotstix” Mabuse unpacks, retells and delights the night with songs that remain as perpetual as the master maker himself.
Tickets are available from Computicket.co.za or call: 0861 915 8000 or click on link below
Bizcommunity recently sat down with Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse to talk about Music Exchange 2013 – the conference that’s got tongues wagging and interest piqued within the entertainment industry. With more than 40 years of experience, Mabuse is a treasure trove of knowledge for any aspiring musician.
Bizcommunity: You’ve had continuous involvement with Music Exchange since the inaugural conference in 2009, what is your role in this year’s conference?
Sipho Mabuse: My role is multi-pronged, I serve as a director, I’m a partner, and I spoke in the last two and gave my own personal experiences as a musician. What’s important for us is to formulate direction; I sit in the meetings that we have and we formulate direction, which topics do we deal with, and that’s basically what I do.
As South Africa’s third independent music conference, Music Exchange is a three day event with the gravitational force to attract the attention of the music industry’s most powerful minds. It plays host to seasoned professionals, who will share their invaluable knowledge of the industry at the Cape Town City Hall from Thursday, 21 to Saturday, 23 March.
Record executives, Grammy Award winners and the industry’s most admired players will all participate in this year’s conference. Coming together with the ambition to stimulate dialogue around trends, plot the future of music in South Africa and add momentum to education about the industry. It is also an appropriate curtain raiser to the now sold out Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
The event features over 70 speakers and panelists including 16 artists and 42 organisations, including a panel of experts from SAMRO, offering a wealth of knowledge on music licensing and copyright protection for musicians.
Also present will be the Academy of Sound Engineering Panel, MIDEM, BIG Concerts, Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Rolling Stone Magazine Digital Panel. All offer valuable knowledge and varying perspectives on the business of music.
For key note speaker, composer and producer Trevor Jones, his appearance at the conference holds a special significance. He returns to Music Exchange to speak at the Cape Town City Hall where he wrote his scholarship entry exams. For Jones, the venue is deeply symbolic of his journey and his talk will trace the steps that led him from the streets of District Six to the height of international acclaim. Film and television have also benefited from his pioneering work with the fusion of acoustic and electronic mastery over the past four decades. From Excalibur, The Dark Crystal, Runaway Train,Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning, and Last of the Mohicans through to In the Name of the Father andNotting Hill, among many others – Jones’ scores are the stuff of legends.
Another musician who hopes to inspire a new generation of musicians with his story is SAMA lifetime Achievement Winner and 46664 Ambassador, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse. He says, “My role at Music Exchange is to interact with as many aspiring and established artists alike. To give back as much as we can to develop the youth of this country.”
One of the fundamental goals of Music Exchange is the improvement of awareness and education about the music industry. The conference aims to invite music schools to collaborate on building resources and a knowledge bank. Schools already involved and signed up are Kaleidoscope Music School, Cape Music Institute, Woodstock Music Academy, The Legacy School of Music and Proudly Macassar Pottery.
The Music Exchange programme is a melting pot of ideas, characters, success stories and a source of inspiration both for those who are starting their careers and those who have seen it all. This is the one event that has the potential to re-energise and redirect the industry and take South African music to the next level.
Music Exchange takes place from Thursday, 21 to Saturday, 23 March at The Cape Town City Hall.
Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse 