Music Exchange (#MEX26) returns to Cape Town on Saturday, 31 October 2026, bringing together an exciting mix of South African and international speakers for a day focused on the realities, opportunities and rapidly changing business of entertainment.

This is the 1st wave of speakers to be announced for the full day event.

Now in its 16th year, MEX has remained committed to one principle: delegates should leave with more than inspiration. They should leave with practical knowledge, meaningful contacts and ideas they can put to work.

Under the theme “Navigating Today’s Entertainment Economy: Strategies, Skills and Opportunities for Success,” MEX26 will examine everything from artist management, royalties and AI to community building, international collaboration and the future of African music.

GALLO AT 100: CELEBRATING THE PAST, BUILDING THE NEXT LEGACY

A major MEX26 highlight will be “Gallo 100 – A Sound That Started a Century”. Led by Kwela and Gabi, the session will explore the remarkable history of Gallo and, importantly, what comes next as a new legacy is created.

That conversation will flow directly into “Music. Africa. Direct”, looking at how technology, platforms and the positive use of AI can help take African music and its stories to audiences around the world. The two sessions underline the MEX26 philosophy of respecting the industry’s history while examining where technology can take it next.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES, PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

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

Fellow US speaker Paris Toon will focus on the importance of collaboration in music and business outside South Africa, offering an international perspective on why relationships and cross-border partnerships matter.

From Norway, Yonas Aregai, former manager of global electronic music star Alan Walker, will tackle artist management on a global scale and the realities of building and sustaining an international career.

Music-industry lawyer and educator Nick Matzukis will address one of the most important questions for every creator: what money is owed to you? His session on royalty streams will unpack income opportunities while also confronting another major question: is AI a disaster or a new royalty stream?

PEOPLE STILL MATTER

Technology may be transforming entertainment, but MEX26 will also put the human element firmly at the centre of the conversation.

Lauren Bright will present “How to Thrive, Lead and Stay Relevant in an AI World,” examining adaptability, leadership, creativity and the human skills required to remain valuable as industries evolve.

South African rapper and creative entrepreneur ByLwansta will present “The Human Business – Building Artist Brands Through Community”. His session will challenge artists to look beyond streams, followers and algorithms and consider how genuine communities are built around an artist and their work.

Keeping the conversations moving will be renowned South African DJ, DJ Eazy, who returns as host of MEX26.

For MEX founder and convener Martin Myers, the purpose of the conference remains simple: create a space where experience is shared, difficult questions can be asked and emerging creatives can engage directly with people who understand how the business really works.

MEX26 is aimed at artists, managers, songwriters, producers, DJs, composers, students, entrepreneurs and anyone serious about building a sustainable future in the creative industries.

MUSIC EXCHANGE #MEX26

Saturday, 31 October 2026

Protea Fire & Ice Hotel, Cape Town

Registration and networking: 08:00 | Programme until 17:00

Tickets: R150 via Quicket – https://www.quicket.co.za/events/352361-mex26-music-exchange-4-days-1-ticket/#/

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