Moshito's status as the leading music industry conference and exhibition was confirmed on the opening day (September 2nd).

The Honorable Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms 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 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.

After the opening in the plenary, the conference moved onto the rest of the programme which on September 2nd featured a panel discussion on music festivals (which proved very heated as panelists and delegates debated the involvement of government in the mix) and Piracy. Other discussions on day one included a look at the still hot topic of Needletime administration as well as how best to preserve music heritage, a subject the Minister also touched on in her opening address.

During the day, free and highly informative workshops also took place: the Hands On, Mic Off! workshops at the Market Theatre proved a strong drawcard as were the Moshito Masterclasses taking place at the Bassline. Both continue until Friday.

The opening night ended with a storming live concert at the Bassline that underscores this year's Moshito's commitment to keeping music in the spotlight.

After Kwani Experience's heady live show, there was a rare performance by Bakithi Khumalo, the iconic bassist who is based in New York and is in demand by some of the world's big name artists. After a brilliant set that saw him work through several SA classics as well as his own compositions, hotly tipped rock act Blk Jks came on to show why they have secured an international deal that is set to launch a strong career for them overseas.

The 2009 Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition continues until Saturday September 5th.