Global thought leader Yonas Aregai to feature at Music Exchange on 31 October #MEX26

A pre-recorded conversation with Jason Curtis will explore artist management, music investment and the opportunities shaping African music’s future.

Music Exchange, now in its 16th year, will feature a pre-recorded conversation between Jason Curtis and international music executive Yonas Aregai on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town.

Curtis chatted to Aregai about his journey into artist management, the changing responsibilities of managers and what it takes to build a sustainable career beyond the world’s major music industry hubs.

Aregai is Chief of Staff at GoldState Music. Previously General Manager and Partner of MER Group, he helped develop Alan Walker’s international career. He was also recognised among the Nordic music industry’s “Top 20 Under 30” by NOMEX.

The conversation tackles a pressing question for African artists and their teams: what does the global industry misunderstand about African music, and what can those misconceptions cost artists in deals, positioning and expectations?

Drawing on experience across talent development, brand strategy and partner relations, Aregai explores how the manager’s role has evolved over the past 15 years, how diversity has changed industry decision-making rooms and where imbalances remain.

His move from management into music rights investing brings another perspective: what makes a catalogue valuable and an artist’s career durable?

Curtis and Aregai also look ahead to the next five years, discussing artificial intelligence, the shift of music catalogues into institutional ownership and Africa’s place in the changing global industry.

For aspiring managers, the session offers practical guidance on what to learn first, what to refuse and the lessons Aregai learnt from his early mistakes.

MEX26 brings artists, managers, producers, songwriters and music entrepreneurs together for a day focused on the business behind creative success. This pre-recorded session gives delegates access to international experience with direct relevance to building careers from South Africa.

Come with questions. Leave better equipped to build your career.

Conference information: www.musicexchange.org.za
Tickets: Book via Quicket