Empowering Creatives in Africa: Sustainability in the Music Industry 10 May Cape Town

CANMusic.org, in collaboration with Music Exchange (#MEX), and Tinta Tribe, will host a FREE mini-conference and artist showcase on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:45 PM at Trenchtown venue in 143 Lower Main Street, Observatory, Cape Town

The event aims to equip young creatives and music artists from disadvantaged backgrounds and industry professional with essential knowledge on, achieving economic sustainability, and leveraging AI technologies to enhance their careers and about navigating new carbon emission regulations and the benefits of offsetting strategies.

Event Highlights:

Expert Panel Discussion and Q&A featuring industry leaders on sustainability in music and its impact on South African creatives
Interactive networking sessions with speed-pitching games connecting artists with producers and key stakeholders

Live performances showcasing headline artist Tinta Tribe plus emerging Kwa Mlungu and other acts
Educational content creation with event highlights filmed for promotional and educational purposes

“This event represents more than just a gathering; it’s a movement to equip South African artists and creatives with the tools they need to thrive while also addressing critical environmental issues,” says Robert Stephenson, founder of CANMusic.org. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with #MEX and Tinta Tribe to inspire meaningful change and explore new pathways to success in the music industry.”

Detailed Event Schedule

2:00 PM: Welcome address by Martin Myers, founder of Music Exchange (#MEX), followed by an introduction from Robert Stephenson, 45-year music industry veteran and founder of CANMusic.org
2:15 PM: Panel Discussion on Sustainability in the Music Industry with Martin Myers, Robert Stephenson, Tinta Tribe, and Tumelo Ncube
2:45 PM: Presentation by Tumelo Ncube on CAN Music Pro – an AI-enhanced platform designed to simplify artists’ professional lives while addressing carbon emissions
3:30 PM: Networking & Speed Pitching Game
4:30 PM: Headline Performance by Tinta Tribe
5:00 PM: Kwa Mlungu acts Showcase (featuring 6 acts)
6:00 PM: Mr Bathathe DJ Closing Set

The event also supports the expansion of studio facilities for Kwa Mlungu Entertainment, providing township creatives with valuable access to resources and mentorship programs focused on artist rights, life skills, and climate action-focused music production.

About the Organizers

CANMusic.org was founded in 2021 in Cape Town as a collective of talented creatives dedicated to empowering communities through music while promoting sustainability and positive climate action. The organization transforms performances into platforms for positive change, working with artists such as Tinta Tribe and Sir Kisoro.

Music Exchange (#MEX) www.musicexchange.org.za founded by Martin Myers, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025 proving an annual Cape Town conference and masterclasses providing strategic advice for artists.

Martin hosts “The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk (Thursdays at 9 PM and rebroadcast on Sunday at 9pm ) and is renowned for work with industry figures like Siphokazi Jonas and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse and Dr. Trevor Jones.

Kwa Mlungu, founded by the artists known as Tinta Tribe in 2021, empowers young entrepreneurs in Siqalo by providing tools, resources, and support to tackle poverty and social challenges. In collaboration with CAN Music, they host recording sessions and township music events to showcase local talent and raise awareness about environmental issues.

Join Us

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders, connect with emerging talent, and experience electrifying live performances—all while contributing to a more sustainable future for the music industry.

For more information, contact Robert Stephenson.

Email robert@climateactionsnow.org or call 073 804 8409