SA Country of Honour at MIDEM 2010, Cannes

Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale (MIDEM) is reputedly the world's largest music industry trade fair. It offers a chance for music professionals from across the industry meet face to face to do business, analyse trends and build partnerships. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the vibrant South African music industry and support the country's rich music culture,” comments Dominique Leguern, MIDEM director.

The first event will be an opening, featuring many of the country's top performers thus providing outsiders with a chance to experience the broader South African culture. The line-up for this opening event will be announced at a press conference at the Bassline in Johannesburg on Tuesday 8 December.

Unique occasion

“Being Country of Honour will be a unique occasion for South Africa to promote its artists and industry to the international music community and to showcase some of our leading talent during the concerts,” says Glenn Masokoane director: cultural development at DAC.

Secondly, South Africa will drive a country-focused conference, which will bring together leading industry executives and officials from across the globe, to facilitate dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Finally, a gala dinner will attract the who's who of the international music industry, South African ministers, VIPs, etc giving South Africa another chance to take the spotlight in an evening that will feature a music performance directed by local legend Themba Mkhize.

A sizeable delegation of South Africans, including traders, practitioners, exhibitors and a cross sector of industry players, will also attend MIDEM 2010. Members will be able to attend matchmaking events organised by South Africa's MIDEM representatives and others, in order to facilitate networking and business opportunities for professionals. MIDEM 2009 attracted 8000 participants, 4000 companies, 80 countries and 450 journalists from 300 media organisations.