Latest news with #Audiomack
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soweto's Legendary OG empowers local hip-hop talent through independent label
A love of music led Soweto-born artist Macebo Mdluli, known as' Legendary OG', to open a music production company. Mdluli, born and raised in Orlando West, is the founder and CEO of Do-Uproductionz, a hip-hop promotion and production company founded in 2017 as a platform for new talent, which he established after releasing his first mixtape, Being Broke is Childish. ALSO READ: Music icons honoured annual award ceremony 'After doing everything on my own, including recording and booking shows, I realised I had what it takes to run a company.' Mdluli described the company's mission as providing a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents. 'One thing that worked for me was dropping mixtapes.' Mdluli said they had already released a mixtape, Grabdamic Rap Your Hood, Vol. 1, available on various platforms, including YouTube and Audiomack. 'I'm working on Vol. 2, where I feature different artists to give them the platform they deserve.' ALSO READ: Eemoh redefines music storytelling with visuals Mdluli said his biggest challenge is funding; he hasn't yet found sponsors for his company, but that doesn't stop him from doing what he loves – music. 'I've changed lives. I do what I do because of the love I have for music, and I can't stop because music is part of my life.' Mdluli aspires to become one of the best hip-hop artists in three years, aiming for his company to take the world by storm. For bookings, phone 083 533 8879 or email [email protected] Social media: @Do-Uproductionz on all platforms. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Africa Rising Music Conference to amplify African voices in the global music industry
The Africa Rising Music Conference 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking event, uniting industry leaders and emerging talent for an enriching dialogue at Constitution Hill. The Africa Rising Music Conference 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking event, uniting industry leaders and emerging talent for an enriching dialogue at Constitution Hill. The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) is gearing up for a transformative gathering at Constitution Hill on May 22 and 23, 2025, bringing together leading figures from the music industry across Africa and beyond. This annual event has become a beacon for the music and creative industries in Africa, fostering collaboration and empowering under-represented voices within the sector. Since its inception, ARMC has been a catalyst for meaningful conversations among industry leaders, helping to generate over 140 job opportunities each year. With its commitment to independence and inclusivity, the conference provides a platform where emerging talent and professionals can thrive in a rapidly evolving market. The 2025 edition promises an exhilarating roster of thought leaders, artists, and innovators who are reshaping the landscape of the global music industry. Rethabile Khumalo, Msaki, a renowned South African composer, singer, and songwriter, Sibu Mabena, The dynamic founder of Duma Collective, Jack Parow– A prominent figure in the South African hip-hop scene, Yvonne Chaka Chaka– the legendary 'Princess of Africa'; Charlotte Bwana – Vice President of Marketing (EU, Africa & MENA) at Audiomack, with extensive expertise in global music marketing; Nick DeCosemo – Global Editorial Director at Wasted Talent – Mixmag; and Phatstoki – Co-Founder of P_ssy Party, among many others. Sarah Jane Nicholson, the founder of the event, tells Saturday Star about her vision of creating a stage where diverse voices can merge and innovate under one roof. Why is the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) a crucial platform for promoting thought-provoking discussions on the direction of African music, and what inspired its conception? The ARMC was conceived to provide a dedicated space for African music professionals and artists to converge, share ideas, and shape the future of the continent's music industry. With African sounds gaining global recognition, the conference plays a crucial role in fostering insightful dialogue about cultural preservation, innovation, and equitable industry structures. Its inception was inspired by a need to spotlight African creativity and build networks that empower emerging voices in the music business. Which key topics will be explored, and are they necessary to address? The conference explores topics such as music rights, the role of streaming in African markets, artist development, gender equity in the music business and female leadership. It also features hands-on workshops covering areas like songwriting, DJing, and mental health, all aimed at enhancing skill development. These discussions are not only timely but essential in empowering African artists and industry professionals to succeed both locally and globally while staying true to their cultural roots. How has the response been over time, given that the platform is well-known for creating more than 140 job opportunities a year and having a long-lasting effect on the music and creative industries? The response has been overwhelmingly positive. ARMC has grown into a trusted hub for connecting talent with opportunity. Its impact extends beyond the conference days, generating employment, facilitating cross-border collaborations, and inspiring new business ventures. The ripple effect is visible in the rising number of African artists securing international deals and in the professionalisation of the local music sector. Using the expertise given to Africa, how do you hope to improve professionals at all levels and broaden your grasp of how global markets function? ARMC leverages international and local expertise through panels, workshops, and mentorship programmes to uplift professionals - from aspiring artists to executives. By fostering direct engagement with global market players, the platform demystifies industry mechanics, improves export readiness, and builds confidence in navigating global music ecosystems. Saturday Star
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Lefty Gunplay arrested in El Paso on drug possession charges
Rapper Lefty Gunplay, also known as Franklin Holladay, was arrested on Sunday while traveling to El Paso, Texas. According to El Paso Police Department jail records, Gunplay was taken into custody for multiple offenses, including failing to wear a seatbelt, possessing a prohibited item in a correctional facility, and having a controlled substance in his possession. A video of the arrest was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by No Jumper. Lefty Gunplay was arrested in El Paso, Texas, for allegedly failing to wear a seatbelt, possessing a prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility (such as drugs, weapons, or contraband), and possessing a controlled substance. — No Jumper (@nojumper) February 24, 2025 Recently, Gunplay responded to allegations made by Audiomack cofounder Brian Zisook on X regarding his royalties from his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the track 'tv off' from Lamar's 'GNX' album. Zisook claimed that Gunplay was not registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO), which prevented him from earning royalties for the song. However, Zisook later updated his post, stating that Gunplay had signed with BMI and could begin collecting his royalties. Gunplay confirmed the update in response to the viral thread.
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Lefty Gunplay responds to publishing royalty allegations over Kendrick Lamar's ‘tv off'
Rapper Lefty Gunplay, whose real name is Franklin Holladay, recently responded to claims made by Audiomack cofounder Brian Zisook on X (formerly Twitter). On February 16, Zisook alleged that Gunplay had not been earning publishing royalties from his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the track 'tv off' from Lamar's 'GNX' album. Zisook claimed that Gunplay was not registered with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO), preventing him from collecting royalties for the song and his other works. He also explained that U.S. songwriters have three years to claim their royalties before the funds are redirected to major publishers. The next day, Zisook updated his post, stating that "various associates" informed him that Lefty had signed up with BMI, which would allow him to start collecting his royalties. Music analyst Brian Zisook says rapper Lefty Gunplay has not earned any profits from his feature on Kendrick Lamar's song "tv off," despite the track selling over 2 million units. — No Jumper (@nojumper) Lefty, who gained recognition for his feature on 'tv off,' responded to the viral thread, which had garnered over three million views. He seemed to confirm that he was now signed with a PRO. Mike Chehade, creative director at OTR Records, also clarified that business related to 'tv off' had not been fully finalized. GOOD MORNING AMERICA PUBLISHER LEFTY GUNPLAY OTR IPI #: 1256524061 WRITER / COMPOSER HOLLADAY FRANKLIN SCOTT IPI #: 1261145289 — Lefty Gunplay (@leftygunplay_) Following the release of 'tv off,' Lefty's streaming numbers surged by 84%. The song has sold two million units in the U.S. and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
