The entry fee for the KZN Music Imbizo 2011, which runs from 25 to 27 August, will be scrapped for all who bring food parcels (preferably canned food, rice etc) and clothing for the Somalia Relief Cause. The food parcels and clothing will be handed to the Gift of the Givers.

"After being approached by one of the Imbizo delegates (Xoliswa Sokhulu) about the idea and a suggestion by a friend (Athi Faku) on Facebook, we decided to fully back the cause. I am sure that all our delegates will welcome the opportunity to be part of this," said Sphe Mbhele from Creative Lead Productions, project manager of the KZN Music Imbizo.

The programme and list of activities have been confirmed for this year's music conference. The list of speakers include the likes of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Madala Kunene, the international intellectual property firm that was established in South Africa in 1920 - Spoor & Fisher, the exhilarating and maestro of dance music Zakes Bantwini, the first lady of Afrotainment DJ CNDO, the organisers of one of the longest running music festivals Splashy Fen, the king of punch-lines PRO (formarly known as Prokid), the master of Skandi-Hop ZuluBoy plus organisations and departments like the Department of Arts and Culture, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA KZN), Association of Independent Record Companies (AIRCO), CATH SSETA, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Youth in the Arts (YITA), Kwazulu-Natal Development Agency (KADA) and many others.

Prosound makes a welcomed return to the KZN Music Imbizo with the sound equipment demonstrations. Delegates need to look out for the myMix. myMix is an intuitive, easy-to-use personal monitor mixing and multi-track recording system that puts each user in control of their own mix as a stand-alone unit or as a networked audio system. The Music Producers Lab will be busy with music producers sharing ideas on software and production techniques for two days (Thursday 25 August and Friday 26 August). The Demo Listening Room is being introduced for the first time; bring your demo during the KZN Music Imbizo 2011 for a listening session with radio stations, music producers, radio compilers and other experts.

Book and bring anyone of the delegates to listen to your demo and give you pointers. The Novice Room for the newcomers and artists that still want to get into the industry, want to know more about contracts and collecting agencies will be conducted by Sakhele Mzalazala (former SARRAL and independent record label owner).

KZN Music Imbizo 2011
Venue: Royal Hotel (Durban)
Date: Thursday, 25 to Saturday, 27 August
Time: 09:00 to 16:00
Entry fee: R80 for three days / R30 daily (or free for all those that support the Somalia relief cause by bringing food parcels)

KZN Music Imbizo is supported and sponsored by the eThekwini Municipality, Department of Arts and Culture, ProSound, uKhozi FM and Creative Lead Productions.

For more information, contact Nomthi at 031 836 0311 or email her at [email protected].