The Honorable Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana, opened the event with a keynote speech at Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg, that pointed to the government's belief in the ability of the music industry to deliver economic and social development, contribute to nation building and help nurture South Africa's national identity.
“Moshito is very significant in this with its central focus to promote and understand the business of music,” Minister Xingwana added.
Moshito's chairman, Andre le Roux, pointed out how Moshito has been able to grow and develop in spite of a global economic recession that has seen other music industry conferences (like Germany's PopKomm) close its doors this year.
Le Roux pointed to the role of Moshito's partners in making this year's event so diverse and stimulating, in particular the Department of Arts and Culture, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the National Arts Council of South Africa, the SABC, Business and Arts South Africa, the 2009 Joburg Arts Alive International Festival, the Bassline South African-Norwegian Music Cooperation (Mmino), Cultures France, the French Institute of South Africa and the French Embassy.
The 2009 Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition continues until Saturday September 5th.
