DAC webinar: The state of Africa’s music industry
Afica’s music industry is rich with talent, heritage and global influence, yet very few artists earn a sustainable income from their craft.
From royalty battles to digital disruption and shifting global power dynamics, today’s artists must be both creative visionaries and savvy entrepreneurs to survive.
In this webinar, host Professor Rajneesh Narula (OBE) brings together an accomplished panel of musicians, producers, mediators, digital entertainment experts, and cultural innovators to unpack:
- How artists across Africa can build sustainable income streams
- Lessons from music professionals who’ve navigated global and African markets
- The ongoing struggle for ownership, IP rights, and fair royalties
- How digital platforms have changed monetisation, and what still needs to change
Event Information:
Date: Thursday 4 December 2025
Time: 17:30-19:00 (SAST)
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Meet the Panelists:
- Simon Attwell:
Musician, mediator, and co-founder of Afro-fusion band Freshlyground, Simon is a multi-instrumentalist trained in Zimbabwe and the UK. He has over 10 years of experience mediating IP and publishing disputes in the music industry. He is currently completing his MBA at Henley Africa. - Stephen Budd:
Veteran artist manager and former Music Managers Forum chair, Stephen has guided Brit- and Grammy-winning producers, managed globally recognised bands, founded Brits Week, and worked extensively on international collaborations, including Damon Albarn's Africa Express. - Gillian Ezra:
Gillian is a digital entertainment specialist with experience across streaming, artist services, and music tech. She is the former Head of African Operations at Deezer and part of the team behind Africa's first streaming platform, Simfy Africa. She focuses on monetisation and digital education for artists. - Asanda Lusaseni (Msaki):
Award-winning South African composer, singer, and interdisciplinary artist, Msaki is a contributor to Black Coffee's Grammy-winning album. She blends music, visual art, and performance, with acclaimed works showcased at the Nirox Sculpture Park and the National Arts Festival.