Claim OwnershipOn the Couch with MEX
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© On the couch with MEX
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Music Exchange (MEX) founder Martin Myers and music writer Jason Curtis host a candid weekly chat. Each session shares lived experiences, and all promote vital conversations regarding the state of the entertainment economy, local and international, current, and future.
225 Episodes
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CapeTalk’s Business of Entertainment features Steve van Schaik, founder of At The Courtyard bistro + theatre in the Western Cape town of McGregor. In conversation with Martin Myers, Steve shares how he and his wife, Meg, left the corporate world to create a vibrant creative hub where food, music, theatre, and storytelling bring people together. What began as a dream in 2018 has grown into one of McGregor’s most loved cultural spaces, built on authenticity, connection and the magic of small-town creativity.
Part 2 with the superb Marcus Brewster, where you'll hear him delve into the global business of books, and we also talk about the elephant in the room. Enjoy the conversation from my Cape Talk-hosted show, The Business of Entertainment, which airs every Thursday evening at 9 pm and is rebroadcast on Sunday at 9 pm.
I was in conversation with Marcus Brewster on The Show Business of Entertainment.From Pop Idol judge to global PR powerhouse to mystery/thriller novelist based in Malta, Marcus brings decades of international experience to the discussion.We’ll unpack the global publishing industry, what drives bestsellers, and the business behind the books.
Enjoy my brilliant guest's second sitting, Damon Forbes, CEO and founder of Breakout Events, from our show on cape talk Damon Forbes is one of the key architects behind South Africa’s live events and festival landscape, shaping the concerts, tours, and large-scale experiences that bring thousands together across the country.From international touring shows to iconic outdoor festivals, his influence on the live entertainment industry is undeniable.With over 15 years of experience in the touring arena, BreakOut Events has brought some of the world’s most celebrated artists to Southern African stages.In just the last 18 months, this includes Kenny G, Jordan Rakei, JP Cooper, Myles Smith, Milky Chance, Diplo, Ronan Keating, OMD, Deacon Blue, and many more.
A conversation with Damon Forbes, CEO and Founder of BreakOut Events.Damon Forbes is one of the key architects behind South Africa’s live events and festival landscape, shaping the concerts, tours, and large-scale experiences that bring thousands together across the country.From international touring shows to iconic outdoor festivals, his influence on the live entertainment industry is undeniable.With over 15 years of experience in the touring arena, BreakOut Events has brought some of the world’s most celebrated artists to stages across Southern Africa. In just the last 18 months, this includes Kenny G, Jordan Rakei, JP Cooper, Myles Smith, Milky Chance, Diplo, Ronan Keating, OMD, Deacon Blue, and many more.BreakOut Events is also riding the momentum of its own curated festival successes, including the recently wrapped Calum Scott ‘Avenoir’ South Africa Tour, which captivated audiences in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.And the excitement doesn’t stop there — upcoming shows include legendary acts The Human League and Blancmange, live in May.Enjoy listening to Damon and get a look inside the business in South Africa.
Rising South African music supervisor and entrepreneur Nikilitha Mantungwa joins Martin Myers to unpack the evolving landscape of sync licensing for independent artists.At just 23 years old, Nikilitha has already made remarkable strides in the music industry.Her journey began during her gap year after high school, when she worked as a sync licensing agent and landed her first major placement on Netflix’s hit series Blood & Water (Season 3).This early success ignited her passion for the business of music and laid the foundation for what would become a visionary career.In 2023, she founded Kopton Music, a company dedicated to empowering artists and creating meaningful pathways into the world of sync.While building this business, Nikilitha pursued a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in Music Education, Classical Guitar, Arts Management, and Music Technology.
Nikilitha Mantungwa: A Conversation on the Business of Entertainment & Sync Licensing. an insightful and inspiring conversation as rising South African music supervisor and entrepreneur Nikilitha Mantungwa joins Martin Myers to unpack the evolving landscape of sync licensing for independent artists.At just 23 years old, Nikilitha has already made remarkable strides in the music industry.
We had the brilliant Tim Parr in conversation with me on CapeTalk on Thursday, 15th January at 9 pm, chatting about his musical journey.Tim Parr first came to national prominence in the southern-rock blues band Baxtop, where he shared guitar duties with Larry Amos in the Joburg club scene of 1976. Rising quickly to the top of the national circuit and winning the SABC battle of the bands, they recorded “Work it Out” for Warner Brothers in 1979, which remains an enduring SA classic.Parr then formed Ella Mental with Heather Mac, which was one of the iconic 80’s bands to have a string of radio hits in South Africa, playing many of the country's top festivals.The common thread throughout all these projects has been Tim Parr’s expressive and soulful guitar playing, and unlike many guitarists, his rhythm and textural playing is as distinctive as his unmistakable voice.
We have the brilliant Tim Parr in conversation, chatting about his musical journey with me.Tim Parr first came to national prominence in the southern-rock blues band Baxtop, where he shared guitar duties with Larry Amos in the Joburg club scene of 1976. Rising quickly to the top of the national circuit and winning the SABC battle of the bands, they recorded “Work it Out” for Warner Brothers in 1979, which remains an enduring SA classic.Parr then formed Ella Mental with Heather Mac, which was one of the iconic 80’s bands to have a string of radio hits in South Africa, playing many of the country's top festivals.
LESSONS FROM MY FATHER – A celebration of fatherhood My good friend Steve Anderson has his book out, published by Melinda Ferguson – “Lessons From My Father.” We discussed why the work is essential.I am delighted that I managed to get my dear friend Sipho Mabuse “Hotstix “ into the book, as well as Siphokazi Jonas. This has been a labour of love and dedication for Steve - Please enjoy.
A Journey of Change, Creativity & Purpose with Hedley Manicom who was in studio on Thursday, 11 December at Cape Talk.The Business of Entertainment welcomed Hedley Manicom, co-owner of Owl’s Rest Farm, for a compelling conversation about transformation, creativity, and the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Hedley Manicom, A Journey of Change, Creativity and Purpose on the Business of Entertainment. The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk welcomed Hedley Manicom, co-owner of Owl’s Rest Farm, for a compelling conversation about transformation, creativity, and the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.What began as a “good little business” quickly evolved, under their leadership, into a destination brand known for handcrafted products, warm hospitality, and a distinctive creative signature.During the interview, Hedley discussed central questions like :Why leave a major JSE-listed corporation?In the conversation, Hedley explores themes that drive both the entertainment and entrepreneurial journeys.
Part 2 of my conversation with Jon Savage from the Cape Talk Show, the Business of Entertainment.Is it too late to start podcasting? Show producer - Barry Maré
Jon Savage joined Cape Talk’s The Business of Entertainment with host Martin Myers, exploring the Big Question: Is It Too Late to Start Podcasting?Jon Savage is a trailblazing media entrepreneur. His work is reshaping how creators build, scale, and own their futures.Savage is the founder of The Africa Podcast Network, the continent’s largest podcast network with 41% market share, and it is a central player in the growth of digital audio across Africa.
The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk welcomed a powerhouse guest — Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal, a leading voice in South Africa’s creative and music education sectors.Dr. Leal unpacked “The DIY Musician, Portfolio Careers, Creative Districts, and Innovations in the Creative Industries” — a must-listen discussion for artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about the evolving creative economy.Currently, the Academic Registrar at the Academy of Sound Engineering in Johannesburg, Dr Lea, brings decades of experience across music education, industry leadership, and curriculum innovation.
Fresh off-air, Indi Chawla, Head of International Relations at The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), discusses the business of entertainment, the future of music rights, and how global licensing frameworks are reshaping value for creators.Now based in London, Chawla leads international strategy for the MLC — the U.S. digital mechanical rights organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties from digital music services to songwriters, composers, and publishers.Special thanks to Karabo Senna for setting this up.
The humble, gracious, Arthur Goldstuck (CEO, World Wide Worx, Editor-in-Chief, Gadget, Columnist, Sunday Times), was our keynote speaker at the 15th edition of Music Exchange (MEX25) last weekend. While he was in town, he also made time to visit the BOE studio @capetalk to discuss his latest book, which unpacks making complex issues exciting and understandable in our AI-driven world.
What a stunning exclusive interview on Cape Talk with Robin S. She is The Queen of Club Anthems.Hailing from Queens, New York, Robin Stone, better known as Robin S, burst onto the global stage in the early 1990s with her house anthem “Show Me Love”. Special thanks to Paris Toon and Andy Heynes for making this conversation happen.
Part 2 of my conversation with DJ Eazy from the Cape Talk show, The Business of Entertainment (BOE).* DJ Eazy is also the host of the 15th edition of Music Exchange next week on 25th October, 2025.Show producer - Barry Maré.How does that old saying go? People who say it can't be done need to stop interrupting those who are doing it.
Celebrated South African DJ and radio producer DJ Eazy was my featured guest on The Business of Entertainment on Thursday night, 9 October at 9 PM. The conversation with Martin Myers explored the evolution of South Africa’s music industry, the business behind the beats, and DJ Eazy’s remarkable journey through hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. In addition to his CapeTalk appearance, DJ Eazy will host Music Exchange, now in its 15th year (#MEX25), on 25 October. This event, South Africa’s leading independent music, film, and entertainment conference, brings together industry leaders to share insights and opportunities for collaboration.
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