MEX26 Returns to Cape Town on 31 October with 12 Industry Leaders, SAMRO CEO Keynote and Four Days of FAME Week Africa Access

Cape Town, South Africa – Music Exchange (MEX), South Africa’s leading music business conference, returns to Cape Town on Saturday, 31 October 2026, bringing together 12 highly respected local and international speakers, a keynote address from SAMRO CEO Annabell Lebethe, senior SAMRO leadership, major prize giveaways from Bothners Music Group and four days of access to FAME Week Africa activities.

For 16 years, Music Exchange has been built around one simple principle: delegates should leave with more than inspiration. They should leave with practical knowledge, industry contacts, business opportunities and a better understanding of how the entertainment economy works.

That philosophy drives MEX26, taking place at the Protea Fire & Ice Hotel, Cape Town, under the theme, “Navigating Today’s Entertainment Economy: Strategies, Skills and Opportunities for Success.”

As part of FAME Week Africa, a MEX26 ticket delivers exceptional value, giving delegates access to four days of talks, networking opportunities, and industry engagement from Wednesday through Saturday.

Hosted by popular broadcaster and industry personality DJ Eazy, MEX26 will feature 12 leading speakers drawn from the worlds of music rights, publishing, artist management, technology, sync licensing, branding, entrepreneurship, leadership and artificial intelligence.

A major highlight will be the participation of SAMRO’s senior leadership team, led by CEO Annabell Lebethe, who will deliver the conference keynote presentation titled “The Future of the Entertainment Economy.” Following the keynote, delegates will gain direct access to a SAMRO leadership panel featuring Karabo Senna, Chola Makgamathe, Lesego Maforah and Nobambo Goduka in a session titled “From Rights to Revenue”.

THE 12 SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

Dr A’Ion Holiday (USA) will open the speaker programme with “What It Takes to Create a Global Creative Platform in the US & South Africa: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”

Annabell Lebethe, CEO of SAMRO, will present the keynote address, “The Future of the Entertainment Economy.”

The SAMRO Senior Leadership Panel will unpack rights management, royalties, collections and creator opportunities through “From Rights to Revenue.”

Antos Stella and Kwelagobe Sekele of Gallo Music will present “Gallo 100: A Sound That Started a Century”, celebrating 100 years of South African music heritage.

Nick Matzukis will tackle two of the industry's most important topics: “Royalty Streams: What Money Is Owed to You?” and “Is AI a Disaster or a New Royalty Stream?”

Kwelagobe Sekele and Gabisile Shabangu will lead “Music Africa Direct: The New Legacy Conversation”, exploring technology, streaming and sampling in Africa.

Nikilitha Mantungwa of Kopton Music will discuss “Music Supervision and Sync in South Africa: How Music Gets to the Big Screen”, highlighting opportunities in film, television and advertising.

Eric Kiafouka (Germany) will explore publishing opportunities through “Beyond Streaming: Publishing in the World’s Fifth Biggest Music Market and the International Opportunities It Creates.”

Artist, strategist and entrepreneur ByLwansta will present “The Human Business: Building Artist Brands Through Community”, showing how artists can create meaningful, long-term audience relationships.

Lauren Bright of The Brightspark Coach will present “How to Thrive, Lead and Stay Relevant in an AI World”, focusing on the leadership, adaptability and human skills required in a rapidly evolving industry.

Paris Toon (USA) will conclude the speaker programme with “The Importance of Collaboration in Music & Business Outside of South Africa.”

INTERNATIONAL AND INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

MEX26 brings together expertise from SAMRO, Gallo Music, Breaking Wave Group (London), Kopton Music, Content Connect Africa, Academy of Sound Engineering, African Kulture and CapeTalk.

Breaking Wave Group’s leadership has collectively contributed to the careers of U2, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Annie Lennox, Take That and The Cranberries across publishing, artist management, labels and special projects.

PRIZES, NETWORKING AND OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to a full day of presentations, discussions and networking, delegates will have opportunities to win substantial prizes sponsored by Bothners Music Group. Prize giveaways will take place throughout the day, and delegates must be present to claim prizes.

According to Music Exchange founder and convener Martin Myers, MEX continues to focus on creating opportunities by connecting aspiring creatives with experienced industry professionals and providing practical knowledge they can apply immediately.

MEX26 is designed for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, DJs, composers, entrepreneurs, students and anyone serious about building a sustainable future in the entertainment industry.

EVENT DETAILS
Music Exchange #MEX26
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Venue: Protea Fire & Ice Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Host: DJ Eazy
Tickets: R150 via Quicket

Your ticket includes four days of FAME Week Africa access from Wednesday through Saturday.

Theme: Navigating Today’s Entertainment Economy: Strategies, Skills and Opportunities for Success.

Come with questions. Leave with knowledge, contacts and opportunities.