Beat Bulletin August 2014

Dear Music Creators,

Over the last 20 years South Africa’s social, economic and political spheres have drastically transformed, and so has music. As we celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy in our country, we have dedicated this issue to also celebrating 20 years of music, and we look at South Africa’s music journey since 1994.

We speak to DJ Christos, whose contribution to the South African music industry has played a significant part in putting SA music on the global map. Christos takes us through the SA journey in dance music and helps us capture some of the most interesting moments of the last 20 years in the music industry.

We take you through the SAMRO journey, highlighting our role and influence in music since 1961.

We are also excited to announce the winners of the second annual Wawela Music Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate SAMRO members – composers, authors, lyricists and publishers – that have lit up international and local stages, screens and airwaves with their dazzling talent.

We hope that you will find this issue of The Beat Bulletin, informative and engaging.

Would you like to be profiled in a future newsletter? Do you have any news that you would like to share with fellow SAMRO members? Please contact us at online@samro.org.za – we look forward to your comments and ideas for possible inclusion in The Beat Bulletin.

Enjoy!

Yours in music,

Tiyani Maluleke

General Manager: Marketing

CONCERTS SA OFFERS TRAVEL GRANTS TO SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC PROFESSIONALS

Music professionals are invited to apply for funding from a National Mobility Fund (for projects in South Africa, specifically KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng), and a Regional Mobility Fund (for projects taking place in SADC countries, except South Africa).

The Fund is administered by Concerts SA, a joint South African/Norwegian project housed under the auspices of the Stakeholder Hub within the SAMRO Foundation. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO Foundation and Rikskonsertene. The project aims to stimulate live music in South Africa by finding and implementing ways to create regular, sustainable performance platforms. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.

Initiated by the British Council’s Connect/ZA programme and the SAMRO Foundation, the Music Mobility Fund received 66 applications and provided support for 14 projects in 2013: live music tour performances, research based collaborations and professional creative exchange took place in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and the UK. Recipients included artists like Derek Gripper, Maqhinga Radebe, bands such as The Brother Moves On, Bateleur, and businesses like Motif Records and The Word N Sound Company, among others.

Designed to help musicians, music industry professionals and organisations build on already established domestic success and develop connections, markets and audiences for their work, the fund provides support towards travel and transportation; per diems; material costs (hiring of backline and sound equipment), accommodation and visas.

The types of projects that may be financed are tours and concerts (performances; regional, country or provincial tours; participation at festivals and showcases, etc.), collaborative projects (artistic collaborations between musicians based in different provinces of South Africa or SADC countries), and professional development projects and visits (for South African music industry professionals to build networks and knowledge in other provinces and in the SADC region). The duration of the project may not be less than four days nor exceed 6 months.

National Projects

While artists from all provinces are invited to apply, national projects must take place in one or more of the three provinces where Concerts SA currently operates (Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal). The province(s) in which the project is to take place must be different to the one in which the applicant is based. Successful applications will not be eligible for additional CSA funding support in the 3 provinces.

Regional Projects

Regional projects must take place in one or more of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Applicants will need to conduct their own research and have identified and communicated with a potential partner or host. The partner may be an individual or organisation and must be an established musician or music professional, and must be based in the SADC country (or countries) where the project will take place.

Application process

Applicants should complete the application form in English, and submit the following mandatory documents: legal documentation of the applicant (ID/Passport copy for individuals and organisation representatives; company registration documents); track record (press coverage, website links, evidence of recognition awards, public appearances or residencies, CV, etc.); budget of the project (including projected income and expenditure). SADC regional projects should include a letter from the local host confirming their support and involvement. to download application forms, please click here

For further information please refer to the Call for Proposals. Enquiries and applications should be submitted by email to samrofoundation@samro.org.za, by fax to 086 5007028 or by post to SAMRO Foundation, 20 De Korte Street, 4th Floor SAMRO Place, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017.

Deadlines

18 August 2014 –Open call

14 September 2014 – Application deadline

25 September 2014 – Announce successful applicants

SAMRO SETS UP SHOP IN PORT ELIZABETH

Some years ago, SAMRO recognised the need to open local contact centres in order to better service composers and music creators outside of Gauteng. The PE office is the fourth such centre to be set up following others that were opened in Limpopo in 2012 and KwaZulu – Natal in 2013.This has put SAMRO within easy reach of music creators in these areas.

SAMRO EGM for Rights Holder Services, Pfanani Lishiva said although members do not have to travel to a SAMRO contact centre for most SAMRO services, some members prefer one-on-one communication. “For example, while all of our forms can be obtained and submitted online, making use of this convenient method is a problem for those who do not have access to internet or are not computer literate,” he said .

Other SAMRO activities in the area will include conducting artists’ workshops in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. “This will help us reach a wider audience and ensure that more music creators know and understand how to maximise their revenue, especially revenue related to the exploitation of their music,” said Lishiva.

The SAMRO Port Elizabeth’s office is located in the city’s central business district at the Kwantu Towers on Vuyisile Mini Square.

Contact details:

Contact Person: PunkyNogqala

Tel: (041) 503 7500

Fax: (041 503 7520

Email: pnogqala@mandelametro.gov.za

SAMRO OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS COMPETITION FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The competition rotates between instrumentalists, singers, keyboard players and composers over a four-year cycle. It is open to those who have already completed a degree or equivalent diploma in music, or who are in their final year of such musical studies. The two annual scholarships are worth R170 000 each, with a number of additional cash prizes awarded to the runners-up and other finalists that display exceptional promise.

The 2014 finalists are Kingsley Buitendag (29) and Prince Bulo (27) in the Jazz Music genre and Amy Crankshaw (22) and Antoni Schonken (26) in the Western Art Music category.

“What is noteworthy about this year’s scholarship finalists is that these four remarkable music graduates are no strangers to our extended SAMRO family,” remarks André le Roux, managing director of the SAMRO Foundation. “Amy was a beneficiary of our pilot orchestral mentorship programme last year, under the tutelage of Professor Peter Klatzow, himself a former SAMRO scholarship winner in 1965. Both Amy and Antoni have previously received SAMRO bursaries to fund their university music studies, two among the 1 700 granted since 1980.”

Candidates for this year’s composers’ round each had to submit three original compositions in their chosen genre. Each winner will receive a R170 000 scholarship to further his or her studies or attend master classes overseas, while the runners-up will be awarded R40 000 apiece. The merit award winners, Arthur Feder (26) and Paul Morrissey (28) in the Western Art and Jazz Music genres respectively, will each receive R10 000.

A spectacular concert evening is to take place at the Wits University Great Hall on Saturday, 30 August 2014 during which a selection of South Africa’s premier professional jazz and classical musicians will perform.

The SAMRO Foundation is the social investment and music education arm of SAMRO and it has, since 1962, awarded over 60 scholarships to help boost the careers of many young musicians and composers.

Among some of the Foundation’s previous overseas scholarship programme beneficiaries are artists such as Peter Klatzow, Robert Fokkens, Abel Moeng, Nicholas Nicolaidis, Abigail Petersen, Ben Schoeman, Kimmy Skota, Michael Bester and Andre Petersen.

Visit www.samrofoundation.org.za or follow @SAMROFoundation on Twitter or Facebook for more information. Entrance to the Concert Evening at the Wits Great Hall on 30 August 2014 is free, but is by invitation only and seating is limited. To reserve your seat, please call Naseema at (011) 712 8417 or email naseema.yusuf@samro.org.za.

DJ ZINHLE LEADING THE MOVEMENT TO SHOWCASE FEMALE DJS IN SA

She paved the way for female DJs by becoming the first female DJ to put out a house compilation. DJ Zinhle has played in clubs and venues all over the country and has featured on number of television shows such as Rhythm City and Ekasi: Our Stories. Most recently she lent her raw urban style to leading South African clothing store, Legit and launched her own range of watches.

Q:August is Women’s month. What does this mean for you?

A: It means that I will get a chance to celebrate my strengths. It is also a wonderful time because we get an opportunity to highlight the role of women in our country.

Q: How are you celebrating this year’s women’s month and what did you get up to on Women’s Day?

A: I was working, and I think there is no better way for me to celebrate than to enjoy opportunities that women who came before us helped to create.

Q:Tell us about your journey as a female DJ, your greatest challenges and greatest moments?

A:The greatest challenge has got to be the lack of information or education about the DJ industry. I have realised that there are no places or institutions where young aspiring female DJs like myself can access information about this industry. The only other option is to create systems as you go. One of my greatest moments has got to be the fact that female DJs in South Africa are finally getting the recognition they deservein South Africa. I feel like I have played some role towards that movement.

Q: What would you say is the key to success in this industry?

A: Consistency, planning and hard work.

Q: You run an academy to train female DJs. What drove you to set up the academy and what does the academy seek to achieve?

A: We started the academy because we wanted to give female DJs a platform. Now there are a lot of opportunities for females in the DJ industry.

MARKETING YOUR BRAND AS A MUSICIAN – TOP 10 TIPS FOR SOUNDING GREAT IN RADIO INTERVIEWS

Yet the moment you open your mouth in that radio studio, you either get stuck and fail to succinctly communicate a message that will effectively market yourself to your listeners, producers or potential clients who may want to use your music commercially. You speak, but don’t quite get the message across or showcase your brand value.

We spoke to top experts to bring you the best advice on how to sound as smooth as your music.

TIMOTHY WEBSTER – BRAND SPECIALIST

Timothy is originally from the United States. He has fallen in love with South Africa and settled here some 10 years ago. He makes a living speaking, writing and consulting on all things related to brands and branding. He has published three books on the topic, namely Thinking about you, Personovation and Soul to Sole and has appeared on radio and TV more times than we can count.

Timothy’s top 5 tips

1. Listen – zoom in on the interview and respond to deeper aspect of the questions. Often journalists are lazy and fail to ask the question they really want to ask, so by paying attention you can answer the depth of the question they are intending to ask.

2. Hash Tag Language – prepare phrases and snapshot quotes that listeners can use for social media.

3. Be direct – Make sure you are straight to the point and remember listeners are very distracted, so by being clear and direct you can capture their attention.

4. Honour peers – Compliment peers. Show gratitude for others and make sure you do not appear self-centered by not recognising other industry leaders.

5. Social Media – make sure people know how they can reach you and engage your personal brand and scope of work.

MONIQUE HARRISBERG– CEO and FOUNDER OF THE VOICE CLINIC

Monique started the Voice Clinic back in 1988 and through the years has assisted many top CEOs, sports stars, media presenters, celebrities and other high profile individuals to project a professional speaking voice and confident public presence. She believes anyone and everyone can learn to become eloquent. Today the Voice Clinic has branches throughout South Africa and Australia.

Monique’s top 5 tips

1. Prepare beforehand – write down on a piece of paper the points you want, and need, to get across during your interview (the purpose of the interview).

2. Have pen and paper with you – write down the questions that your interviewer asks you as far as you can. This gives you enough time to prepare what you want to say, and if it is a phone-in programme, it allows you to properly remember the question asked.

3. Repeat key words of what the interviewer says, and possibly the whole question-this shows that you understood him/her and gives your brain a chance to think of a good answer.

4. Never mumble – it is not cool to mumble. Rather say less, but say it clearly. The interviewer can fill in the silent gaps, it’s his/her job.

5. Explain the philosophy behind your music – this will connect you with the listeners. Tell them why they should listen to your music and spend money on your music – what do they get out of it? Will they feel like dancing? Does your music make them feel free? Help them vent pent-up emotions?

Special Women’s Month Giveaway

The Voice Clinic is giving away FREE voice and communication assessments to all SAMRO members – if you wonder how well you come across in public, this is the opportunity to find out. All you need to do is go online www.thevoiceclinic.co.za and book a 30-minute assessment appointment at the branch nearest to you. The assessment will show you how well you sound in terms of your pitch, tone, confidence, voice variety, breathing, vocabulary and which areas of voice and communication you need to work on. You must quote your SAMRO membership number on your booking application and Special Women’s Month Giveaway to qualify for the free assessment.

WOMEN’S MONTH FEATURE: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN MUSIC

This month, SAMRO celebrates our women in the music industry. We cannot mention them all by name, but we recognise and applaud their efforts and the key role they continue to play in the industry.

Dorothy Masuku: In 1961 the apartheid special branch forces confiscated her master recording of the song Lumumba dedicated to Patrice Lumumba, the first democratic president of the Congo. She was not deterred and she went on to record Dr Malan, a song denigrating the apartheid laws – it was also banned. It came as no surprise when she was given the “Excellent Achievement Award, in and Contribution to, Music Composition and Performance” in 1999by the late President Nelson Mandela. She was also inducted into the American Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2013, she celebrated her 60 year anniversary in the music industry and she was the first recipient of the Wawela Lifetime Achievement Award.

Letta Mbulu: This world renowned songstress was one of the many musicians who were forced to take exile in the United States where jazz mirrored racial injustices, drawing parallels with South Africa. She was involved in soundtracks of motion pictures such as Roots, Colour Purple and A Warm December. The SAMAs honoured her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and she also received a series of honorary degrees from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Cape Town(UCT).

Rebecca Malope: She won the Best Vocalist prize in the Shell Road to Fame and has gone on to win more awards than any other gospel singer in South Africa. Although not her best -selling album, her collaboration with Wawela Music Award winning composer and producer Sizwe Zako on her first record made way for future success and she went on to record 32 albums and win more than 25 awards over a career that has spanned 27 years. Malope has her own studio where she writes and produces most of her music.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka: She is one of the first black performers to appear on South African television in 1981 and has built a name for herself over the years. In addition to the exemplary role she has played in music, Chaka Chaka is a philanthropist and business woman par excellence who runs a successful music production and promotions business and has her own record label. She is UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador against malaria and plays an active role in campaigning for medications and bed nets. Chaka Chaka has also served as an ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign as well as an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

Penelope Jane Dunlop: Otherwise known as PJ Powers, she took a stand for unity and the apartheid government banned her for a year in 1988 for performing at a benefit concert for orphans in Zimbabwe. Nelson Mandela wrote to her from prison urging her on. Songs such as Feel So Strong, Home to Africa and Jabulani cemented her appeal bridging the gap between the races in a marginalised society.

Nhlanhla Nciza: She burst onto the scene as vocalist is the group, Mafikizolo, alongside Theo Kgosinkwe. Her star appeal has made her the first South African female entertainer to grace the cover of Forbes Africa Woman and she has scooped all awards known to the local music industry.

Zahara: In the past three years the singer – songwriter and poet has made great strides in the music scene. Armed with a guitar and a great voice, her debut album, Loliwe, scaled dizzy heights, selling more than 100 000 copies. Before her, only the late Brenda Fassie had achieved that kind of success. To date, she has sold more than 400 000 records.

Karen Zoid: Her road to fame began in 2001 when she swapped university studies for a career in music. Following the release of her first album, Poles Apart, Zoid developed quite a following, prompting music industry critics to dub her listeners the “Zoid generation”. She has since released five albums – the last under her very own production company – Karen Zoid Productions. She is a SAMA Award winner and has performed in front of both local and international live audiences.

A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS WHO MADE US SING FOR FREEDOM

Here are some of the titles that made us smile, cry, but most of all inspired us to want a better South Africa. They gave us hope and comforted us during the times of turmoil and beyond:

1. Brenda Fassie – My black President
2. Lucky Dube – House of exile
3. Boom Shaka – Free
4. Mzwakhe Mbuli – Peace in our land
5. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Motherland
6. Johnny Clegg – Asimbonanga
7. Miriam Makeba – West Wind
8. PJ Powers – Jabulani
9. Vuyisile Mini – Naants indod emnyama Verwoerd
10. Enoch Sontonga – Nkosi sikeleli Africa
11. Lady Smith Black Mambazo – Liph’ Iqiniso
12. Stimela – Khululani and Whispers in the deep
13. Joe Nina – Unchained
14. Hugh Masekela – Bring him back home
15. Vusi Mahlasela – When you come back
16. Sibongile Khumalo and Hugh Masekela – Songs of migration
17. Bright blue – Weeping
18. Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse – Nelson Mandela
19. Koos du Plessis – Sprokie vir ‘n stadskind
20. Bok van Blerk and Robbie Wessels – Ons vir jou Suid Afrika

“It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world.” Nelson Mandela.

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY APPLAUDES SOUTH AFRICAN TALENT AT THE 2ND WAWELA MUSIC AWARDS

The star studded ceremony was hosted by the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) in a glittering event held in Johannesburg on Friday 27 June 2014.

The awards were launched by SAMRO in 2013 to provide a more inclusive showcase of all players in the music industry’s value chain. The second installment of the prestigious Wawelas once again went beyond the performers to award song writers and music publishers who add magic to the music at every stage of creation.

“We at SAMRO are pleased to be able to play our part in celebrating South African musicians through the Wawela Music Awards, as the awards enable us to recognise some great behind the scenes contributors and works,” said Sipho Dlamini CEO of SAMRO.

The second event attracted some big names both performing on the night and nominated in the various categories. Particularly among the special awards categories, where South Africa’s ground-breaking musicians shared the applause with legends from the past and present.

Among those recognised was the legendary “King Don Father of Kwaito”, Mandla ‘Spikiri’ Mofokeng, who was honoured in the Prolific Category of Works Award. He was recognised alongside another driving force in SA music – Chicco Twala – who picked up the Wawela Lifetime Achievement Award for the huge strides he achieved in his lengthy career. Also honoured was 73 year old Ladysmith Black Mambazo leader and Grammy Award winner, Joseph Shabalala. He walked away with the Breaking Through the Borders Award, which he deservedly earned though his accomplishments promoting South Africa’s rich and diverse music abroad.

The standard category awards also recognised some stand-out musicians in a broad variety of genres and mediums. The notable winners include film score composer Philip Miller, who won Best Soundtrack in a Feature film or Theatrical Documentary the second year running . While Joe Niemand took home the Best song or Composition in a Television Production award.

The big winner for night was composer, Adam Howard, who received two awards in the categories Best Song or Composition in a Television Commercial and Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial.

Rapper HHP walked away with the Best Creative Album of the Year award for his album Motswafrika, while Sheer Publishing took home the honours as the Best Publisher of the Year. Songwriter of the Year went to Mi Casa for Heavenly Sent while The Muffinz were awarded the Best South African Duo/Group award for their album Have You Heard. Singer-songwriter and poet Zahara walked away with the Best Female Artist & Composer/Co-composer and maskandi legend, Ihhashi Elimhlophe won Best Male Artist & Composer/Co-composer.

Nicholaas Labuschagne, completed the list of honours with the Statistical Award For Live Performance and Broadcast.

Among the legends who shared the stage were Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sipho Hostix Mabuse and PJ Powers. Who proved their talent to be undiminished as they thrilled the audience with their unmistakable sounds.

The Wawela Music Awards also took the time to poignantly mark South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and democracy with a special musical tribute performed by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, together with Trenton and Free Radical in honour of Nelson Mandela. Chaka Chaka, PJ Powers along with nominated musicians Lindiwe Maxolo and Tarryn Lamb also honoured the memory of Brenda Fassie. Performing heartfelt renditions of some of her biggest hits including Zola Budd, Weekend Special and Vuli’ndlela.

Dlamini spoke of the importance of the occasion, saying, “As we celebrate 20 years of freedom, we are proud to celebrate the role of music in the fight to attain our democracy.”

Full list of winners

Standard Awards

Best Soundtrack in a Feature film or Theatrical Documentary

Philip Miller

Best song or Composition in a Television Production

Joe Niemand

Best Song or Composition in a Television Commercial

Adam Howard

Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial

Adam Howard

Best Creative Album of the Year

HHP

Publisher of the Year

Sheer Publishing

Songwriter of the Year

Mi Casa

Best South African Duo/Group

The Muffinz

Best Female Artist & Composer/Co-composer

Zahara

Best Male Artist & Composer/Co-composer

Ihashi Elimhlophe

Statistical Award for Live Performance and Broadcast

Nicholaas Labuschagne

Special Awards

Breaking through the Borders Award

Joseph Shabalala

The Wawela Lifetime Achievement Award

Chicco Twala

Prolific Catalogue of Works Award

Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng

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