The Music Excellence Acceleration Programme in the Eastern Cape is an innovative annual programme initiated and funded by the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) in 2022/23, with the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) as an implementing agent and creative conceptual developer on MEAPEC.
MEAPEC offers Eastern Cape record labels and music promotion companies grants to launch and promote Eastern Cape careers for bright sparks in music.
In 2022, through MEAPEC, DSRAC funded six record labels and music promotion companies, each receiving R300 000.
The recipients were Luyolo Beku (Republic of London Pty Ltd), Aviwe Gqomfa (Avee Connexion Holdings), Sizwe Zako (JenJen Cati Zako Foundation), Luzuko Khohli (C Tone Productions), Siphosihle Ntseta (KB Trading 135 Pty Ltd), and Felix Sisanda Mvana (Agency for Solidarity Economy NPC).
This year, due to demand and the need to reach as many musicians as possible, DSRAC, through MEAPEC, increased the number of recipients from six to eight.
Out of the eight recipients, six were Platinum Grants each amounting to R300 000, and two Gold Grants each amounting to R150 000.
The following artists were selected as 2023 MEAPEC recipients:
Monwabisi Henna (Maepa Media Pty Ltd), Mlungisi Gegana (Mlungisi Music Academy), Mzwanele Jackson Ntoyakhe (Khetha Music Productions), Fikile Faku (ITouch Recordings), Malizole Fololo (Malizole Music and Logistics), Yolanda Vutela (Ungavumi Yesu Soyiswe Ltd), Betusile Mcinga (Nduna 360 Records), and Bulela Mantambo (Ngqungqu Pty Ltd).
MEAPEC recipients are selected through an open call for eligible companies to submit. For 2023 the call was made in April, with the deadline being in May. After adjudication by the panel of experts in music, results were announced in June during the National Arts Festival.
In July 50 percent was paid to each recipient, and all reported in September 2023.
The eight recipients were recently part of a session that provided an opportunity for them to present their progress on the various projects since the announcement on June 27, 2023.
