Latest news with #Michael'sRule
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
The ‘Michael's Rule' in full effect as US saxophonist Kirk Whalum heads to SA for performances
Wandile Mbambeni was named one of Kirk Whalum's supporting acts for his show at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. South African singer-songwriter Wandile Mbambeni is one of the supporting acts for Kirk Whalum's show later this month. Picture: Supplied Although not mandated by law, Australia has an initiative called 'Michael's Rule' that ensures that at least one local artist is featured as a support act when a major international act tours down under. The idea is to grow the local music scene by exposing the not-so-well-known artists to a wider audience. For Grammy-award winning jazz musician Kirk Whalum's performance in South Africa later this month at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Old Mutual Music in the Gardens has announced Wandile Mbambeni and Amanda Black as supporting acts. Most South African music lovers might be familiar with Amanda Black's music and her name, but not so much Mbambeni. ALSO READ: Stars shine for Darren Scott: A benefit concert to honour South Africa's beloved broadcaster Wandile Mbambeni Mbambeni is a singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in country blues, soul, and folk. His debut album, Maturation, was released in 2017. The project had only seven songs. His follow-up album, Kwakumnandi, released in 2018, is a thicker body of work with standout songs such as Nanamhlanje, Anyway, and Lithemba. This won't be his first time on the Music in the Gardens line-up. He was also an opening act last year when Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter PJ Morton was in the country. The former rugby player, representing the EP Kings and Border U19, is one of the artists to look out for in 2025. In January, he released a single, I Don't Regret It, and recently released the heartfelt Hey Lord. 'We're just as excited to welcome Amanda Black and Wandile Mbambeni—two incredible local talents whose artistry continues to inspire. This will be a day to remember,' Senior Manager: Sponsorships & Events at Old Mutual Bandile Mngoma said. ALSO READ: REVIEW: Riky Rick's last album 'Boss Zonke Forever' epitomises his passion for young people Kirk Whalum's jazz This will not be Whalum's first time in South Africa. He returns after having first performed in Mzansi in 2014. Whalum is best known for his saxophone solo on Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You.' He has also collaborated with other heavyweight musicians, such as Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, and Al Jarreau. The 66-year-old American will first perform at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperor's Palace, on Friday, 16 May, and then two days later at the Music in the Gardens event at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. NOW READ: K.O finally gets his Metro FM award in his home province
News.com.au
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
International stars to get big venue discount for booking Aussie acts on stadium and arena tours
International artists who book Aussie acts on their tours will get a discount of up to $20,000 on venue hire of NSW stadiums and arenas hire as the Minns Government boosts the coveted opportunity to get homegrown music back on the big stages. Getting a support slot on superstar tours to play in front of tens of thousands of fans is a game-changer for Aussie musicians. Rising rockers Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are now touring America with Pearl Jam after opening for them on their stadium gigs in November while Kita Alexander has a hit on her hands with her latest single Press Pause after performing on the Dua Lipa tour. Chart-topping rockers Ball Park Music will score invaluable exposure to a new audience when they open for Oasis at their sold-out stadium shows in November. 'In our career to date, we've had - and continue to get - great support slots where we've seen a direct growth in our audience that often translates to a boost in our number of long-term fans, none of which would have discovered us without that exposure,' Ball Park Music's Sam Cromack said. The initiative will offer promoters booking bigger venues including Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, the Sydney Cricket Ground and WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre a $20,000 venue hire discount and $5000 at the Sydney Opera House in return for choosing a local act to open the show. The NSW Government is the first to adopt 'Michael's Rule', named after the late artist manager Michael McMartin whose passion was to see Aussie talent get the big stadium gigs to boost their audiences. The career of the Hoodoo Gurus, who were managed by McMartin for almost 40 years, took off after supporting Lou Reed in 1984 and in the 1990s, You Am I played Australia shows with Soundgarden before touring the US with them. 'This will help Aussie artists take an even bigger stage on international playlists, skewing the Spotify algorithm to mix in more Aussie tracks and put NSW up in lights as a home of great music,' Premier Chris Minns said. Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham has introduced a raft of measures to rebuild the state's live music has added 302 venues by extending trading hours. The Government also boosted the cap on concerts at Allianz Stadium with all available slots now on hold by local promoters for more tours to be announced later this year. But Graham said the Australian music industry remains in crisis, with only three local acts on the 2024 ARIA top 100. 'The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through. By adopting Michael's Rule we will get more local acts on to the big stage,' Graham said. 'While local shows are suffering, fans are still paying the big money for big international acts. Michael's Rule will help our local artists capture that attention.' Teen Jesus singer Anna Ryan called on other states to wave the carrot of a venue discount at the big international acts. 'We received the news (about Michael's Rule) at the airport on our way to Nashville to support Pearl Jam so we are proof that having Australian artists on international tours at home really does impact careers,' Ryan said. 'Hopefully other states will join the call!'
