Pino di Benedetto, CEO of EMI South Africa, said: "The music industry is changing at a rapid pace - globally and here in South Africa. The record label of the past, where the emphasis was on working with artists to record and release music, is now just one part of what we do.
"In creating EMI Live, we've taken advantage of the great roster of artists that are signed to EMI South Africa as well as the experience and contacts that are found within the company.
"But we are not only confining EMI Live to our artists. The company is a booking agency that can also secure the live services of just about any other artist working in South Africa and beyond - as well as offering production services of the highest standard, no matter what the size of the booking."
EMI Live has access to top rock outfits, like Prime Circle, and leading urban acts, among them HHP, as well as the gospel music scene (Rebecca and Winnie Mashaba included) and the dance music circuit.
In addition, Di Benedetto is also intent on EMI Live taking advantage of EMI's global roster of artists including several high-profile and popular acts, like Depeche Mode.
"South African music fans have certainly shown that they want to see acts from different decades play live here ... we are looking at offering a number of themed live shows over the coming months."
EMI Live is in partnership with ticketing innovator TIXSA, ensuring a seamless booking facility for the festival and themed shows it has in the offing. Merchandising and CDs will be an additional attraction for music fans when attending an EMI Live event.
