Martin Myers
South Africa’s leading music, business, and culture conference, MUSIC EXCHANGE (MEX), celebrates its 15th anniversary with an explosive one-day summit: GLOBAL VERSE: Music & Culture Summit — a celebration of influence, innovation, and the future of the creative economy.
This year, SAMRO (The Southern African Music Rights Organisation) amplifies the conversation, bringing three powerhouse voices from its leadership team to the stage, each driving change and impact across the music industry.
The SAMRO Powerhouse Speakers
A legal powerhouse and creative rights champion, Chola Makgamathe is the General Manager for Legal Services at SAMRO, Chairperson of the Copyright Coalition of South Africa and Partners Against Piracy.
Armed with BCom, LLB, and LLM degrees from Wits University, Chola’s distinguished career spans consulting, law, and cultural advocacy. She previously served as CEO of Downtown Music Hub, spearheading transformation in South Africa’s music sector.
Chola will unpack how legislation and copyright reform are shaping the future of music monetisation in the digital era.
As General Manager for Licensing and Sales, Karabo Senna brings a decade of experience empowering composers, authors, and publishers.
With a strong business background and a passion for financial education in music, Karabo champions a movement toward creative entrepreneurship — helping musicians understand royalties, licensing, and passive income.
Driving SAMRO’s commitment to social impact, Lesego Maforah, Corporate Social Investment and Special Projects Manager, leads initiatives that blend sustainability, innovation, and art.
His session explores how investment in people and culture fuels lasting industry growth and creative empowerment.
MEX25 Global Verse Music & Culture Summit Featured Speakers
Hosted by DJ Eazy, the one-day summit promises 10 unmissable sessions, world-class speakers, and transformative conversations that merge artistry, business, and technology.
Featured Speakers Include:
Arthur Goldstuck – AI and Music: The Human in the Loop
DJ Ready D – The Journey of a DJ & Artist in South Africa
Erica Schofield (ThundaFund) – Crowdfunding: More than Funds
Jon Savage (Africa Podcast Network) – Is It Too Late to Start Podcasting?
Barry Mare – Capitalise on Content: Monetising Your Craft
Nikilitha Mantungwa (Kopton Music) – The Sync Climate for Indie Artists
Sue Bulloch (Fresh Advertising) – The Sweet Sounds of Success
SAMRO Leadership Panel – Music, Money & Impact: Building a Resilient Industry
Why Attend #MEX25?
Strategic Insight from Industry Leaders
Learn from the best minds in music, media, and innovation – gain clarity on royalties, sync, streaming, and new revenue models.
Unlock New Revenue Streams
Discover how to protect your work, get paid fairly, and harness emerging opportunities in the creative economy, including the latest on the Copyright Amendment Bill.
Culture Meets Commerce
#MEX25 is where creators, innovators, and industry veterans meet to shape the next era of South Africa’s cultural economy.
“The forum that MEX provides, catalysing in the entertainment world, is integral to the future well-being and prosperity of our entertainment industry – both nationally and internationally.” – Dr Trevor Jones
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Venue: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town
Visit musicexchange.co.za for tickets and updates
Book Your MEX25 Ticket Directly on Quicket
