BIGSOUND 2019 Speaker Focus: Zig Annor

Position/Title: Director at ART Management Group

How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? I started in high school, my cousin and close friends made music and I was always around and supporting them. I eventually became their DJ. On the back of DJing, I began to run events and parties, work on the radio and then in artist management and music business.

What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? There are new urban scenes and there are fans and a movement occurring.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? Localised urban infrastructure.

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? You need to be ready to hustle hard and never stop learning.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference and what are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel? The rise of local hip hop and that it is possible to make music business a career.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? Creed Tha Kid, Rebecca Hatch and Hooligan Hefs.

What advice do you have for BIGSOUND first-timers? Don't be afraid to meet some people.

Assuming you've been previously, what's your favourite BIGSOUND memory? And which artist was your standout performance? Manu Crooks, BLESSED and The Belligerents.

When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Hip Hop Specialists, Crystal Palais, Cloudland, 2pm; 5 Sep, Modern Hip Hop Culture, Moon Room, Cloudland, 3.45pm.