Hip hop summit on the cards
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday November 17, 2016 15:29
The BW Hip Hop summit is a platform for hip hop players such as rappers and producers to meet up with industry experts such as promoters, distributors, booking agents and A and Rs to network and discuss how the industry can be developed.
“This time around the summit will focus on different avenues such as the current issues affecting Botswana hip hop such as lack of knowledge, brand awareness, the business side and other issues affecting the industry,” said Thabo ‘Touch Motswak Tswak’ Rantao who is heading the BW Hip Hop Summit project.
He noted that as it is a summit, solutions to curb these issues will be discussed and implemented, stating that this is a pivotal platform to the advancement of the hip hop industry by creating an environment that allows progression, collaboration and knowledge of self. The theme for the summit is, ‘Knowledge: The lost element of hip hop’.
The summit will have more than 10 panelists such as David Moepeng, Zenzele Hirschfield, Euri, Apollo D, Tuduetso Mokgosi, Itumeleng Garebatshabe and Thobo Kerekang who specialise in different fields such as publishing, distribution, promotion, copyright, and brand consultancy.
“The workshop will cover topics such as publishing, placement opportunities, marketing and entrepreneurship, future of the culture, music business opportunities, distribution, and finance to social responsibility. These workshops will be conducted by top level music industry professionals”.
Touch Motswak Tswak noted that these various panelists will share some vital information as they possess game changing skills that can elevate the Botswana hip hop industry.
“This platform will give talented Botswana upcoming artists and producers, who have few connections or resources, the chance to get their music heard and the chance to receive valuable business information regarding the music industry”.
The first installment of the BW Hip Hop Summit was held early this year and was facilitated by a number of specialists such as businessman Gilbert Seagile, Zimbabwean hip hop entrepreneur Naboth Rizzla, Naomii Music online storeowner Sabelo Masasa, online marketer Sam Kash, and copyright specialist, Kaelo Sabone.
The summit is open to local artists, creatives, writers and different players within the hip hop culture.