German-African initiative, Paradise Sound System, is set to boost the global footprint of 10 independent South African artists when its first edition gets underway in Johannesburg on 28 & 29 January followed by the Indie Africa Workshop hosted by renowned industry leaders.
The initiative aims to assist independent artists with creating world-class content and ensuring it is distributed globally – all while retaining ownership of their creative works.
“Selection will be made based on the strength of the material submitted via the online form taking into account the artists sound, exciting online content, originality of the music & existing following. No matter how big or small, the idea behind Paradise Sound System is to find untapped talent and amplify their strategy with the strength of our International label expertise & team based in Berlin,” said creator of Africa Rising Music Conference and founder of SJN Agency, SJ Nicholson.
Artists selected to be part of the Paradise Sound System’s inaugural edition will be given the opportunity at no cost, as part of an initiative between Berlin-based Paradise Entertainment & Distribution GmbH and several highly experienced South African music industry partners. Among these is the Jazzworx Studio, a leading production facility that has produced a slate of iconic and chart-topping releases over the past 20 plus years.
“If you are not yet performance ready, or do not get selected this time around, we invite you to meet us at the Indie Africa Workshop. The workshop will take place at the Joburg Theatre Complex on January 30th from 3 pm to 6 pm. Our aim is to help independent African artists know their rights, understand revenue collection, build brands and become audience growth pros,” Nicholson said.
The workshop is the first project of the newly established ARMC – a newcomer to the music conference scene but one that aims for real impact in significantly amplifying the flow of music between Africa and Europe for the benefit of artists.
Indie Africa’s international speaker will be Ralph Boege, CEO and founder of Berlin-based Paradise Distribution, who will be in the country for the first edition of Paradise Sound System. Other Indie Africa speakers include Zakes Bantwini, one of SA’s renowned artists, label owner, UNICEF ambassador and the powerhouse behind Mayonie Productions. Raphael Benza, the music entrepreneur responsible for the development of mega star AKA. Creator of Africa Rising Music Conference and founder of SJN Agency, Nicholson will also participate. Nicholson is known for her work with developing South African A-list talent such as Locnville & Mi Casa among others.
The first Paradise Sound System will take place at Jazzworx’s Johannesburg studio on 28 to 29 January while the Indie Africa Workshop will be open to the public, on 30 January at Joburg Theatre. To participate and for more information about the initiative sign up here.
-
-
-
-
