Johannesburg – The Moshito Music Conference & Exhibition 2024 has announced the appointment of Nadia Nakai and Ihashi Elimhlophe as the official ambassadors for this year’s event.
This year the four-day Moshito Music Conference & Exhibition runs from 23 October to 26 October 2024.
“With this exciting announcement, Moshito continues to highlight its commitment to the fusion of modern and traditional African music, focusing on promoting innovation, collaboration, and growth within the African music industry,” organisers said on Monday, (14 October 2024).
Nadia Nakai, a leader in the African hip-hop scene, and Ihashi Elimhlophe, an iconic figure in the Maskandi genre, were chosen as ambassadors due to their tremendous contributions to the African music landscape.
Their appointment as ambassadors for Moshito 2024 reflects the festival’s dedication to showcasing the diverse spectrum of African music, bridging tradition and modernity in a way that resonates both locally and internationally.
Stanley Khoza, chairperson of the Moshito Music Conference & Exhibition, spoke on the importance of this year’s theme and ambassadors, saying: “We are honored as Moshito to have the legendary Ihashi Elimhlophe and Nadia Nakai and as our ambassadors for Moshito 2024.
“They represent the blend of modernity and tradition that is the essence of African music today.
“Nadia’s global influence in hip-hop and Ihhashi’s dedication to preserving traditional African sounds reflect the core of what Moshito stands for.
“Their voices will enrich the discussions and performances at this year’s conference, helping us navigate the future of African music.”
For Nadia Nakai, this appointment as ambassador signifies an opportunity to inspire the next generation of African talent.
“It’s an honor to be part of Moshito 2024 as an ambassador.
“This platform is about pushing boundaries and giving African artists the space to explore new opportunities while staying true to our roots.
“I’m excited to be part of conversations that will help guide the future of African music.”
Echoing this sentiment, Ihashi Elimhlophe emphasized the role of Moshito in preserving African music legacy: “For me, Moshito is not just a conference – it’s a movement.
“It’s about ensuring that the stories and sounds of Africa continue to thrive, even as we embrace new technologies and trends.
“I’m proud to be an ambassador for this event, which celebrates and preserves our rich cultural heritage.”
In recent years, the rise of streaming platforms, artificial intelligence in music production, and online music monetisation have created new opportunities and challenges for African artists.
The conference will address these issues through panel discussions, workshops, and performances led by experts in the field.
Stanley Khoza elaborated on the theme, saying: “We chose this year’s theme because it speaks to where we come from as a country to date, and where we headed, as we reflect on the role music has played in fostering the democracy we enjoy today.
“The South African music industry and the continent has reached new heights and the future is too bright.
“Digital transformation has opened up new possibilities for artists to reach global audiences, but it also presents challenges in terms of ownership, monetization, and maintaining cultural authenticity.
“Moshito 2024 will provide a platform for these critical conversations, helping artists and industry professionals navigate the evolving music landscape while staying connected to their roots.”
The Moshito Music Conference & Exhibition 2024 will be a dynamic four-day event, designed to offer a comprehensive experience that blends industry discussions, artist showcases, and public celebrations.
The full schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Conference Sessions and Workshops (24th of October 2024): In the Evening Moshito will have the Moshito Gospel Festival Sponsored by SAMPRA.
Day 2 – Industry Panels and Artists Showcases (25th of October 2024): In the evening Moshito will host the Moshito Afro World Night Signature Festival Sponsored by DSAC.
Day 3 – Moshito Street Festival (27th of October 2024):
The final day will be a vibrant celebration of African music, with the Moshito Street Festival taking place at Constitution Hill.
This public event will feature live performances, food stalls, and cultural exhibits, offering a diverse and immersive experience for festivalgoers.
The street festival will serve as the grand finale, bringing together music lovers from all walks of life to celebrate the talent and creativity of African artists.
