On the Couch with MEX

On the couch with MEX
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY

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.

  1. On the Couch - #219 - MEX in conversation with Damon Forbes

    6 FEB

    On the Couch - #219 - MEX in conversation with Damon Forbes

    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.

    32 min
  2. On the Couch - #218 - MEX in conversation with Nikilitha Mantungwa - Part 2

    30 JAN

    On the Couch - #218 - MEX in conversation with Nikilitha Mantungwa - Part 2

    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.

    29 min
  3. On the Couch - #217 - MEX in conversation with Nikilitha Mantungwa

    23 JAN

    On the Couch - #217 - MEX in conversation with Nikilitha Mantungwa

    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.

    29 min
  4. On the Couch - #216 - MEX in conversation with Tim Parr - Part 2

    16 JAN

    On the Couch - #216 - MEX in conversation with Tim Parr - Part 2

    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.

    30 min
  5. On the Couch - #215 - MEX in conversation with Tim Parr

    9 JAN

    On the Couch - #215 - MEX in conversation with Tim Parr

    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.

    30 min
  6. On the Couch - #214 - MEX in conversation with Steve Anderson

    19/12/2025

    On the Couch - #214 - MEX in conversation with Steve Anderson

    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.

    31 min
  7. On the Couch - #213 - MEX in conversation with Hedley Manicom - Part 2

    12/12/2025

    On the Couch - #213 - MEX in conversation with Hedley Manicom - Part 2

    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.

    31 min
  8. On the Couch - #212 - MEX in conversation with Hedley Manicom

    05/12/2025

    On the Couch - #212 - MEX in conversation with Hedley Manicom

    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.

    30 min
See All (221)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    On the couch with MEX
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © On the couch with MEX
  • Show Website
    On the Couch with MEX