On the Couch with MEX

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.

Annabell Lebethe is the CEO of SAMRO (The Southern African Music Rights Organisation). She was in the studio at Cape Talk on Thursday, 2 October, just after 9:00 p.m., for a conversation on the Business of Entertainment with Martin Myers.This is the second part of an engaging discussion with Annabell, and we do talk about the elephant in the room.As listener Naren Sewpaul remarked after last week's discussion with Annabell: “Your approach was professional, and conversationally engaging. It brought out the essence of what the audience needed to hear. Most of all, Annabell felt comfortable speaking openly and honestly. I enjoyed the conversation and am looking forward to next Thursday.”Please enjoy.

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has Annabell Lebethe as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She was in Studio at Cape Talk on Thursday 25 September just after 9pm on the Business of Entertainment in conversation with Martin Myers.Do enjoy the wonderful discussion about SAMRO with Annabell.Prior to this, Annabell served as CEO of Ditsong Museums of South Africa, a group of eight museums that falls under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. She also previously held the position of interim CEO of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State, CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation and CEO of the National Arts Council, in addition to several other leadership roles during her career.

Renowned Artist Jill Trappler Featured on The Business of Entertainment, CapeTalk. This is part two of our conversation with Jill.From the Drakensberg mountains to Johannesburg’s cultural ferment of the 1970s, and Cape Town’s dynamic arts scene today, Trappler’s journey has shaped a practice rooted in interaction, education, and creative exchange.Jill lives by a motto inspired by the wisdom of trees: “Stand tall and proud, go out on a limb, remember your roots, drink plenty of water, be content with your natural beauty, and enjoy the view.”This philosophy flows through her work and community initiatives, offering listeners a rare opportunity to hear from an artist whose life and practice embody resilience, beauty, and grounded creativity.

Cape Town-based artist and cultural activist Jill Trappler was  in studio on The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk  on what is, officially our 200th podcast of On the Couch.With a career spanning more than three decades, Trappler is celebrated not only for her paintings and solo exhibitions but also for her groundbreaking contributions to South Africa’s arts community.As a painter, she explores texture, mark-making, and colour with a sensitivity informed by her background as a weaver and spinner. Her work, shown nationally and internationally, reflects her immersion in both South Africa’s complex social landscape and its natural environments.Trappler has been at the heart of transformative creative initiatives since the 1980s. She co-founded Thupelo and Greatmore Studios, was a key member of the Bag Factory in Johannesburg, and has served on the boards of the AVA Gallery and the National Arts Council.Deeply committed to community upliftment, she established the Philani Weaving Project and Intle Cooperative in Khayelitsha and Philippi, while also nurturing creative healing through the Valkenberg Art Studio initiative.Her projects are grounded in an ethos of collaboration and skill-sharing, creating spaces where art becomes a tool for empowerment, confidence building, and social cohesion.Known for her patience and ability to work across languages and generations, Trappler has helped cultivate employment opportunities and creative development throughout the Cape Peninsula.From the Drakensberg mountains to Johannesburg’s cultural ferment of the 1970s, and Cape Town’s dynamic arts scene today, Trappler’s journey has shaped a practice rooted in interaction, education, and creative exchange.https://www.jilltrappler.co.za 

Part two of my interview on BOE, CapeTalk on Thursday, 5 September, 2025, with Dan Shout.From sharing global stages with the legendary Johnny Clegg for seven years, performing at festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and even Bastille Day in Paris, saxophonist Dan Shout has built a career defined by versatility and excellence.

Dan Shout on The Business of Entertainment – on CapeTalkFrom sharing global stages with the legendary Johnny Clegg for seven years, to performing at festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and even Bastille Day in Paris, saxophonist Dan Shout has built a career defined by versatility and excellence.Shout has played with South Africa’s finest – from Winston Mankunku Ngozi to the Cape Town Jazz Orchestra – and collaborated with international icons such as Maria Schneider, Steve Turré, and Nils Landgren.

This is the stunning second episode with Relate CEO, Dalit Shekel, a fantastic and engaging conversation.Dalit, through Relate Bracelets is turning accessories into agents of change.Relate has raised over R83 million for causes in health, education, conservation, and community upliftment, selling more than 4.5 million bracelets worldwide.With 25 years’ experience across corporate, startups, and nonprofits, Dalit blends sharp strategy with a passion for social impact.Under her leadership, Relate is pioneering “Social Retail” - where every bracelet empowers township seniors and young crafters while driving global change.

Dalit Shekel is the CEO of Relate Bracelets, the South African social enterprise turning accessories into agents of change.Relate has raised over R83 million for causes in health, education, conservation, and community upliftment — all through the sale of over 4.5 million bracelets worldwide.With 25+ years’ experience spanning corporate, startup, and nonprofit sectors, Dalit blends sharp business acumen with a deep commitment to social impact.

Jason Curtis dives deeper into what it really takes to succeed as an indie artist in today’s cluttered entertainment landscape.From building super fans to selling physical music in a streaming world, it’s a no-fluff look at how smart strategy and authentic storytelling can drive real success.

The Business of Entertainment on Thursday at 9PM on CapeTalk hosted creative strategist Jason Curtis, diving into the realities of building an indie music career in today’s fast-moving digital world.From Super Fans to vinyl comebacks, Jason explores what’s really changed in music—and what hasn’t.Hear how bands like The Gathering/The Outsiders built a following from scratch, pressing their own vinyl and successfully selling them to Super Fans.“You don’t need millions,” says Jason. “You need 100 true fans living in your reality to remain commercially viable."

Biokineticist Ayden Smith joins the CapeTalk airwaves for a sharp 30-minute conversation about health, longevity, and how performers can stay fit and sharp well into their 70s and beyond. We also discuss the presenters personal health insights following his heart attack on February 15. The role of the “second heart”Simple ways to stay active even if you’re editing video or making music at a desk all day.Pitfalls to avoid. How to get stage-fit at any age.Ayden brings a deep background in sports science, having worked with professional athletes and spoken at major youth sports summits. But this conversation is not just about sport—it is about life on stage and how to stay strong behind the mic, guitar, or drum kit

Calling all musicians, producers, and creatives in South Africa’s entertainment industry. Don’t miss listening to Jarrod Aston from the conversation on CapeTalk, as he dives into "The Business of Entertainment"—an essential conversation for every artist serious about their career.Jarrod, music industry veteran and founder of Fluid Media Entertainment, will unpack the crucial role of RadioMonitor and how it helps artists track airplay and unlock untapped revenue streams. Many local musicians remain unaware of the tools and income available to them through proper monitoring and licensing. This discussion is your key to understanding airplay data, performance royalties, and how to monetize your music more effectively.If you’re an artist looking to take control of your earnings and your brand, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

The Business of Entertainment  on Cape Talk  features legendary guest Jarrod Aston  Assenheim — a powerhouse in South Africa’s music and entertainment industries.With a career spanning over 38 years, Jarrod  Aston Assenheim is not only a music entrepreneur but a visionary in digital media and rights management. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his early days as a celebrated musician to his current pioneering work in music technology and data analytics.Jarrod’s roots in music trace back to the 1980s when he was the lead vocalist and drummer for iconic South African pop groups like Face to Face, Chess, and Cinema. After a successful run touring nationally and internationally until 1997, he transitioned into the business side of music — and never looked back.As founder and former MD of Fluid Media Entertainment, Jarrod was instrumental in bringing world-class artists like Dionne Warwick, Maxwell, Vanessa Mae, Jonathan Butler, Foreigner, Village People, and many more to African stages. His passion for bridging global and local talent made Fluid Media a household name in concert production.In 2015, he launched Radiomonitor South Africa, part of the UK-based media monitoring group, helping transform how music airplay is tracked across thousands of radio and TV stations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.Today, Jarrod leads Audlytics, a cutting-edge platform focused on music technology, rights management, and innovative revenue streams for artists and stakeholders in the music value chain.

The Business of Entertainment Explores the Future of Fundraising with Thundafund CEO Erica SchofieldThursday Night | 9PM | CapeTalk 567AMCapeTalk’s The Business of Entertainment, hosted by Martin Myers, dives into the dynamic world of creative funding this Thursday at 9PM. In Part 2 of a compelling conversation, Myers sits down with Erica Schofield, CEO of Thundafund, to discuss the game-changing launch of "Crowdfunding for Non-profits – A Guide to Activating Support Networks", now available This isn’t your typical fundraising manual. Co-authored by fundraising consultant Jill Ritchie and crowdfunding expert Erica Schofield, this first-of-its-kind South African guide delivers practical tools, case studies, and smart insights rooted in behavioural science—all designed to help non-profits, creatives, and everyday changemakers turn their communities into funding powerhouses.Schofield, a crowdfunding veteran with campaigns across arts, environment, and micro-enterprises, brings her wealth of experience to the conversation. “Crowdfunding is about more than money,” she says. “It’s about sparking belief, building community, and co-creating impact.”Whether you're an NGO, an artist, or an individual looking to raise funds for medical, education, or personal needs, this guide has you covered—with step-by-step checklists and real-world strategies that work.As fundraising specialist Melanie Jackson puts it: “This is an invaluable guide to the brave new world of crowdfunding—whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer.”Listen to  this powerful and practical conversation from Thursday night at 9PM on CapeTalk.Discover how you can fund your creative or non-profit mission by tapping into the crowd.#TheBusinessOfEntertainment | #Thundafund | #CrowdfundingForChange

An exclusive interview with Erica Schofield, CEO of Thundafund, Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform. The conversation focuses on the launch of a new and much-needed resource for the South African fundraising and creative sector:Crowdfunding for Non-profits – A Guide to Activating Support Networks, now officially available on the market.Please enjoy.

Mike Horne Returns to CapeTalk — Do listen to Part 2 of this compelling conversation.He’s performed with international icons, collaborated with South African legends, and built a career that spans continents.

Catch acclaimed session drummer and producer Mike MIKE HORNE from CapeTalk’s #BusinessofEntertainment that airs every Thursday at 9pm.From Cape Town to London.Mike’s career spans decades of top-tier performances and recordings with South Africa’s and the world’s most celebrated artists.Tune in for insight into his journey and the business behind the beat. Show producer: Barry Maré

Lake of Stars! A movement, a celebration of who we are as Malawians, and how our roots run deep through rhythm, folklore, and unity.On Cape Talk on Thurs 5th June we spoke to Zahir Elias from The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival which will be held from October 17th to 19th, 2025.I met Zahir at the African Music Conference (where we both sat on panels ) in Lusaka at the end of May, and I saw a wonderful conversation opportunity that could unfold about this unique African festival. Show producer: The fantastic Barry Maré

Thank you for all you did for the music industry in South Africa and in particular Cape Town. As founder of Music Exchange it was a delight to always host you Rashid at the  conference.This is the our tribute to you which was aired on Cape Talk and 702  yesterday 4 June 2025Rest in Peace Rashid .