Keynote speakers for Breathe Sunshine Engage announced

This one-day music conference offers attendees an impactful industry experience featuring local and international speakers, panels and 'on the couch' interviews. It's aimed at music students, artists, professionals, media and anyone keen on learning more about the industry. Tickets are priced at R195, so the conference is accessible to everyone.

Founded in 2004, Beatport is the largest music download store for DJs in the world. Based in Berlin, Weerasinghe will address delegates on the boom in dance music worldwide and how Africa can tap into it. He'll also outline how the digital retailer is transitioning to a new future whilst highlighting how labels, artists and others can participate in building a global community that makes music available to a broader audience and deepens the relationship between artists and their fans.

One of the most recognised radio DJs on the African continent, Gareth Cliff will talk about the future of radio in South Africa and his experience launching his own online radio portal: CliffCentral.

Recognising the need for national events that facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing and artist empowerment, the conference comprises various panel discussions aimed at encouraging engagement and collaboration all aimed at building the industry.

Panel discussions

Whilst the full agenda is still in development, two panel discussions have been announced:

• The Management Vacuum in the African Music Industry: Understanding the management role, what can be done to improve and develop better management skills, and how do we attract more high-calibre professionals into the game.
  Confirmed panelists include: Graeme Gilfillan - Nisa Global Entertainment, Zakes Bantwini - Head of A&R Sony, Raphael Benza - AKA Management, Refiloe Ramogase - Dreamteam Management, Franie Kotze - Clear Entertainment, Amaru da Costa - Soulistic.

• Soul Candi records will present a panel focused on Taking South African House Music Global, touching on themes such as how to compete in a highly competitive international electronic music industry, realising our true global potential, and empowering artists to prepare them for international success.

Confirmed Panelists include: Black Coffee, Allan Nicoll - Soul Candi, Nomndeni Mdakhi - Edits Communications (Kalawa Jazzmee), DJ Clock - AM-PM Productions, Jullian Gomes, Kavir Magan - Pulse Radio.

The popular 'on the couch' sessions will include global speakers, two of whom are renowned international booking agents from the UK's Coda Music Agency: Paul Buck and James Whitting. Coda looks after Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Bastille, Rudimental, Disclosure, The XX, The Vaccines, Bon Iver, John Newman, Jay Electronica, Jamie Woon, Faithless, Macy Grey, Mr Scruff and new teenage sensation Jake Bugg, just to name a few.

With indie rock festival Vodacom In the City (VITC) taking place at neighbouring Mary Fitzgerald Square on the same day, it's likely that the international contingent in SA for VITC and Rocking the Daisies will make themselves available to attend parts of the conference too.

Go to www.breathesunshineconference.com for updates and additional details.
Tickets: www.breathesunshineconference.com. R195 - Full day ticket, R595 - Combination ticket for Breathe Sunshine Engage and Vodacom In The City.