Countless times we’ve read about musicians being ‘victims’ of raw deals where record companies make the bulk of the money and leave them with peanuts. Considered to be freelancers, they don’t enjoy the same benefits other workers get from financial institutions. They are said to be high risk earners because they don’t have a regular or a set income.

Now, more and more we are seeing artists going independent and starting their own labels, especially the young artists. This is commendable and encouraging to see many of them taking charge of their music and the business.

Entrepreneurship opportunities are available in every sector, even music. Our economic situation does not allow us to sit back and wait to be given opportunities. People need to start owning / getting a piece of the pie.

Sindile Xulu, the founder and CEO of the International Jazz Extravaganza (IJE) is an example of someone who’s owning a piece of the music business. She has been dreaming of bringing an authentic jazz show to our shores. In 2016 she did just that. IJE is privately owned and also works with local artists to give them exposure to an international audience. This year, Xulu is bringing Thandi Ntuli, a young artists who owns her music and is also managing herself to the IJE stage. These are two formidable women who are owning their crafts.

If you would like to know the answers to these questions below, both Sindile and Thandi are available for interviews.
• What does it take to become a music entrepreneur in South Africa?
• How do they protect themselves in regards to i.e. copyright issues?
• How do you manage without a manager?
• How do you bring such a big extravaganza without the backing of big corporates / brands?
• What are the risks inherent in this space – how do you protect your Intellectual Property (IP)?
• What are the lessons that people need to learn about the music industry?
• In what way has the music industry business changed in the past decade?
• What are some of the challenges have you faced trying to break into the music business?