Cape Town, South Africa — October 2025

Cape Town’s creative pulse is set to ignite as Music Exchange (MEX), South Africa’s premier independent music, film, and entertainment conference, partners with African Kulture, a leading Pan-African creative industries agency, to shine a bold spotlight on the township music scene at this year’s milestone MEX25 Global Verse: Music & Culture Summit.

Now celebrating its 15th year, Music Exchange 2025 brings together visionaries, innovators, and industry pioneers for a one-day summit of deep insight, vibrant dialogue, and transformative collaboration. Taking place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Fire & Ice! Hotel in Cape Town, this year’s event promises to be a defining moment for South Africa’s creative economy.

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

The partnership between Music Exchange and African Kulture underscores a shared commitment to empowering African creatives, celebrating cultural identity, and building sustainable creative economies from the ground up.

“African Kulture embodies everything we stand for — authenticity, creativity, and transformation,” says Martin Myers, founder of Music Exchange. “Their work in uplifting township talent and driving cultural entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with our mission to build an inclusive, forward-looking creative industry.”

Founded in 2020 during the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown, African Kulture has grown into a dynamic agency dedicated to igniting creativity, cultural pride, and economic empowerment across Africa and the diaspora. The organization’s co-founders, Qayisani Dlakana (CEO) and Jongisizwe Ntshuntshe (Executive Director), have built a movement that bridges township corners with global stages — reclaiming narratives and redefining what it means to create from the African experience.

“Our collaboration with Music Exchange is about more than music — it’s about visibility, empowerment, and ownership,” says Qayisani Dlakana. “The township sound is the heartbeat of South Africa. We’re thrilled to bring those rhythms, stories, and innovations to a global platform.”

MEX25: Global Verse — Music & Culture Summit

Hosted by the electrifying DJ Eazy, the MEX25 Global Verse summit promises an inspiring lineup of 10 sessions featuring world-class speakers, thought leaders, and creatives including Arthur Goldstuck, Ready D, Erica Schofield, Jon Savage, and representatives from SAMRO.

Themed around innovation, inclusion, and empowerment, the summit will explore how AI, digital media, and creative entrepreneurship are reshaping Africa’s music and cultural industries.

Key Discussions Include:

• AI and Music: The Human in the Loop — Arthur Goldstuck
• The Journey of a DJ & Artist in South Africa — Ready D
• Crowdfunding: More Than Funds — Erica Schofield
• Corporate Social Investment: A Catalyst for Creative Industry Development — SAMRO Panel
• The Sync Climate for Indie Artists — Nikilitha Mantungwa (Kopton Music)

Spotlight on the Township Music Scene

Through its partnership with African Kulture, Music Exchange 2025 will feature a dedicated showcase highlighting township-born genres, emerging artists, and the powerful stories driving South Africa’s grassroots music evolution. This collaboration will amplify voices from historically underrepresented communities — bridging the gap between local innovation and global opportunity.

“We don’t just support creativity — we power it forward,” adds Jongisizwe Ntshuntshe. “Together with MEX, we’re building bridges where culture meets commerce, and where our heritage fuels innovation.”

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Venue: Fire & Ice! Hotel, New Church Street, Cape Town
Tickets: Available on Quicket

Seats are limited — don’t miss South Africa’s premier creative industry summit celebrating 15 years of inspiration, collaboration, and impact.

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About African Kulture

Founded in 2020, African Kulture is a Pan-African creative and cultural industries agency dedicated to empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and communities through creativity, culture, and collaboration. Rooted in heritage and driven by purpose, African Kulture builds ecosystems where African creatives thrive and lead with integrity, innovation, and unity.
Website: www.africankulture.com

About Music Exchange

Established in 2010, Music Exchange (MEX) is South Africa’s leading independent music, film, and entertainment conference. Over 15 years, MEX has built a legacy as a catalyst for knowledge-sharing, industry collaboration, and creative empowerment — bridging local talent with global opportunities.
Website: www.musicexchange.co.za