The music Imbizo is making a comeback

THE Music Imbizo 2025 returns to the Durban ICC from August 26 to 30, under the theme “At the Root of Innovation is Culture, Creativity and the Power of IP’, and with a dynamic roster of keynote speakers, backed by a powerful coalition of strategic sponsors and partners committed to advancing Africa's creative economy.

- MERCURY CORRESPONDENT

Opening the conference with an authoritative government perspective, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe will deliver the first keynote. Mabe, a seasoned Member of Parliament since 2009 and appointed Deputy Minister in July 2024, holds BA and Honours degrees in Public Administration from the University of Pretoria.

Her address will examine national strategies that strengthen cultural industries and leverage intellectual property for economic development.

On Wednesday, Nomfundo Xaluva-Dyantyis, a multi-award-winning jazz vocalist, composer, and academic, will lead a keynote dialogue with Vuyisile Mshudulu of the City of Johannesburg. Holding a Master's in Jazz from UCT and an EMBA from Henley Business School, Xaluva lectures at UCT and has released two acclaimed albums under Universal Music. Her keynote will offer insight into the role of culture and innovation in shaping artistic and business futures.