MIDEM 2010 is just two months away – and a flurry of preparations are underway to maximize South Africa’s “Country of Honour” status and showcase our dynamic and diverse music industry to the rest of the world.

“Being Country of Honour at MIDEM 2010 will be a unique occasion for South Africa to promote its artists and industry to the international music community and to showcase some of our leading talent during the concerts,” says Mr. Glenn Masokoane Director: Cultural Development at the Department of Arts and Culture.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the vibrant South African music industry and support the country’s rich music culture at MIDEM 2010,” comments Dominique Leguern, MIDEM Director.

South Africa’s prestigious “Country of Honour” status at MIDEM 2010 is being executed in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa – and a jam-packed roster of events is being prepared that will also showcase South Africa’s readiness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ from an arts and culture perspective.

The 44th annual MIDEM takes place from the 24th to the 27th of January in the Palais des Festivals, Cannes. South Africa’s presence at the world’s leading music industry trade fair will be substantial and stretch across multiple platforms during the full four days.

The first event on the MIDEM 2010 calendar will be an opening showcase, which will feature many of the country’s top performers as well as provide outsiders with a chance to experience broader South African culture. The line-up for this opening event will be announced at a press conference to be held at the Basseline in Johannesburg on December 8th.

Secondly, South Africa will drive a country-focused conference which is set to bring together leading industry executives and officials from across the globe, in an effort to facilitate dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

A sizeable delegation of South Africans - including traders, practitioners, exhibitors and a cross sector of industry players – will also attend MIDEM 2010. Members of this delegation will be able to attend matchmaking events organised by South Africa’s MIDEM representatives and others, in order to facilitate networking and business opportunities for professionals.

Finally, a gala dinner will attract the who’s who of the international music industry, South African Ministers, VIPs and many others, giving South Africa another chance to take the spotlight in an evening that will feature a music performance directed by local legend Themba Mkhize.

Facts:

• MIDEM (short for Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) is the world's largest music industry trade fair.  It offers a chance for music professionals from across the industry meet face to face to do business, analyse trends and build partnerships.
• 2009 saw 8,000 participants, 4,000 companies, 80 countries and 450  journalists from 300 media organisations attend.
• MIDEM 2010 takes place form the 24th to 27th January 2010 in Cannes
• South Africa is the country of Honour for MIDEM 2010 and will  showcase South Africa’s rich musical heritage throughout MIDEM 2010
• The list of artists who will represent South Africa at MIDEM 2010 will be  announced at a media briefing on 8 December 2009