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The main aim of the program is to address various gaps that tend to affect the financial sustainability, growth, and mental health of the creative sector across the value chain.
Due to KUMISA’s relationship with EDTEA as its primary funder and the role KUMISA continues to play in facilitating change within the KZN music industry economic landscape, KUMISA was invited to partner and add value to the KWANDE Fest program by providing various skills, resources and support.
In addition to being one of the leading stakeholders of the KWANDE Fest program which took place on the 17th - 19th of March 2022, KUMISA supported the program in the various areas listed below:
Apart from providing additional event coordination support for the program, KUMISA sourced panellists from the music industry for a panel discussion titled "XPANDING: THE EMERGENCE & INFLUENCE OF SA MUSIC IN THE GLOBAL MARKET". It was moderated by KUMISA Chairperson, Dr. Malindie Kunene, and featured Karabo Senna from SAMRO, Ninel Musson from Vth Season, and Wendy Verwey Bekker from Ditto.
KUMISA MD Thando Nyameni, award-winning artist Holly Rey, and other key individuals who represent the overall creative sector participated in a discussion regarding mental health issues in the creative sector, which targeted various forms of mental health disorders and their coping mechanisms.
Furthermore, KUMISA provided 7 performers to perform throughout the KWANDE Fest program, including Zoe The Seed, Khokho Madlala, Ndu Shezi, Zinaro, Thukie Lano, Dj Ndur, and Dj Lab.
As a final initiative, KUMISA set up a pop-up mobile recording studio at the KWANDE Fest venue, where local musicians were able to track their vocals for free after submitting a good quality beat to the KUMISA Studio team. In support of this initiative, CD Baby provided discount coupons for musicians wishing to distribute their recordings digitally.