10 South African Entrepreneurs Transforming The Music Industry
10 South African Entrepreneurs Transforming The Music Industry. These entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the South African music industry by bringing innovation, creating platforms for new talent, and gaining international recognition. Here are ten South African entrepreneurs who are transforming the music industry:
Black Coffee
As an internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer, Black Coffee has elevated South African house music on the global stage. He founded Soulistic Music, which supports and promotes local artists, and has won numerous awards, including a Grammy.
DJ Tira
DJ Tira is a pioneer in the Gqom music genre and founder of Afrotainment, a record label that has produced many successful artists. He has played a crucial role in popularizing Gqom music both locally and internationally.
DJ Maphorisa
Themba Sekowe known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake and Black Coffee.
Nasty C
A talented rapper, songwriter, and producer, Nasty C has gained international recognition for his music. He signed with Def Jam Recordings, bringing South African hip-hop to a global audience, and founded Tall Racks Records.
Kgosi Mahumapelo
Ambitiouz Entertainment is a South African independent record label owned and founded by Kgosi Mahumapelo. The label was birthed in the first half of 2014, boasting 3 unknown acts, namely Emtee, Fifi Cooper and B3nchMarQ. In just a few months, these acts were considered some of the biggest names in the South African music industry, thus cementing Ambitiouz Entertainment as one of the most sought after record labels in South Africa.
Kabza De Small
Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure and pioneer in the amapiano genre. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of “Umshove”, in 2018.
Oskido
Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa is a South African recording artist, DJ, record producer and businessman. Oskido is the co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records. He is undoubtedly one of the pioneering artists that popularised the Kwaito genre of music outside of the townships of South Africa, and he’s been central to the rise of Afro-house and opened doors for the new genre known as amapiano.
Cassper Nyovest
A rapper and entrepreneur, Cassper Nyovest is one of South Africa’s most successful hip-hop artists. He founded Family Tree Records and has successfully filled stadiums for his concerts, setting new standards in the industry.
Yoel Kenan
Yoel Kenan is the founder and CEO of Africori, a digital music rights company specialised in the emerging markets and Africa in particular. Africori provides digital music solutions and services to artists, record labels, telecom companies and advertising agencies.
Chris Ghelakis
Chris Ghelakis is the founder of Electromode. Chris is well-respected in the South African music industry and is arguably the country’s most successful independent entertainment exec. In 2020 he did a deal with US independent distribution company Ingrooves to expand and give opportunities for local music to be marketed and promoted internationally.
