The Nelson Mandela Bay International Music Festival - celebrating music, and sharing skills

This weekend the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will rock with the biggest musical celebration the region has ever experienced. But the NMB International Music Festival will be about much more than getting down to world-class music.

On Thursday 12 May before the fest performances, the landmark event begins with the sharing of practical skills and valuable knowledge in a tightly organised series of Workshops and Master Classes. This initiative is at the heart of the festival’s strategy to actively build our base of skilled music professionals in the region.

According to the organisers of the mega event, the training and development aspect of the festival is almost as important as the entertainment itself. “Music festivals have moved beyond being simply once-off events where everything ends after the last band plays. We have seen the need for an integrated approach to ensure a long-term future for quality music”, said espAfrika CEO Rashid Lombard. Looking back over the years, this growth strategy has worked with notable successes at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and beyond.

For up and coming and established musicians, one of the most exciting prospects is sure to be the Master Class series.  These classes offer a rare opportunity to learn first-hand from seasoned artists with decades of hard earned experience. From techniques and music styles, to self-discipline and the art of live stagecraft, the interactive sessions are designed to respond to the many practical challenges facing newer and practicing musicians.

In the last decade, the process of making music has become more competitive and business-like than ever. Although music skills are vital, the ability to play is not enough to ensure a successful career. In response, the festival’s Music Business courses are structured to give musicians a solid grasp of how the industry really works and what their rights are as performers.

For many an artist, the act of signing agreements can be daunting and even downright scary. All professional musicians should understand the kinds of contracts commonly used between artists, record labels and promoters and, how royalties are earned.

In line with the festival’s aim to secure a long-term future for the music, the development program will actively share knowledge about the business with young people at school level. The schools’ sessions will explore the planning and logistics behind a major event and introduce learners to the army of skilled people who pull together to make a successful production. Guided by well-known musicians, learners will get the chance to see for themselves what kinds of careers are available in the music business and discover the most effective way to pursue them.

The School Music Workshops take place from 9.30 to 13h00 on Thursday 12 May at the City Hall Auditorium.  Master Classes, aimed at established musicians are scheduled from 13h00 to 16h00 at the City Hall Auditorium. The Music Business course focusing on current and emerging trends in the music industry takes place on Friday also at the City Hall Auditorium. All workshops free to the public.

The NMB international Music Festival is presented by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) and produced by espAfrika.  Other Sponsors include RadissonBlu and Coca Cola.

Tickets for Saturday 14 May at the Nelson Mandela Stadium are available from Computicket and are from R50, R100, R150 and  R400 for the limited platinum circle. The doors at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will open at 14h00.

For further information, please visit www.nelsonmandelabayfestival.com or call the hotline on +21 21 422 5653.