Struggling to get national recognition in the music industry could soon be a thing of the past for Eastern Cape artists.
This is thanks to a new record label which has opened its doors to assist local talent.
The East London-based label, Asanda Empires, aims to promote Eastern Cape music.
With a licensing deal with Universal Music backing them, Asanda Empires has already released two singles from artists Kay and Vuo. Levels and Success are available on iTunes and have been playlisted on major radio stations.
Founder Asanda Mabengwana said he started the label to help artists with some of the challenges local musicians faced.
“We are trying to rescue local artists from having to travel to bigger cities to get good record deals that will ensure their music is played on a national platform.”
Universal Music’s Thabiso Mogwatlhe confirmed they had signed with the local label.
“We’ve already released two singles under Asanda Empires.
“This gives the Eastern Cape label a platform for them to get their music released on a national level through the help of Universal Music,” Mogwatlhe said.
Mabengwana said the deal with Universal would see the mega company releasing their music and marketing it on their behalf.
“Universal will help market the singles or albums and will also be releasing the music.
“As a record label we could do that but Universal Music is a bigger company and they have been doing this for years,” he said.
The East London businessman, who was part of the popular 1990s group Trybe, known for their hit song Diba Diba, said it had always been his passion to help up and coming musicians.
“For many years I was based in Johannesburg and every year we see musicians leaving the Eastern Cape with the hope of getting their big break. Getting a break in the music industry is not easy and we hope to make the journey less stressful for musicians,” he said.
Mabengwana said they would sign up anyone who could sing and was based in the province.
“Asanda Empires is more than just a record label, it is a platform and opportunity for the South African youth to better their lives by building a name for themselves and starting a career in the music business.
“We strive for national and international success, we believe in hand-in-hand cooperation,” he said.
Artists hoping to work with the label can contact them via their Facebook page, Asanda Empires. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Help is at hand for new musos
This is thanks to a new record label which has opened its doors to assist local talent.
The East London-based label, Asanda Empires, aims to promote Eastern Cape music.
With a licensing deal with Universal Music backing them, Asanda Empires has already released two singles from artists Kay and Vuo. Levels and Success are available on iTunes and have been playlisted on major radio stations.
Founder Asanda Mabengwana said he started the label to help artists with some of the challenges local musicians faced.
“We are trying to rescue local artists from having to travel to bigger cities to get good record deals that will ensure their music is played on a national platform.”
Universal Music’s Thabiso Mogwatlhe confirmed they had signed with the local label.
“We’ve already released two singles under Asanda Empires.
“This gives the Eastern Cape label a platform for them to get their music released on a national level through the help of Universal Music,” Mogwatlhe said.
Mabengwana said the deal with Universal would see the mega company releasing their music and marketing it on their behalf.
“Universal will help market the singles or albums and will also be releasing the music.
“As a record label we could do that but Universal Music is a bigger company and they have been doing this for years,” he said.
The East London businessman, who was part of the popular 1990s group Trybe, known for their hit song Diba Diba, said it had always been his passion to help up and coming musicians.
“For many years I was based in Johannesburg and every year we see musicians leaving the Eastern Cape with the hope of getting their big break. Getting a break in the music industry is not easy and we hope to make the journey less stressful for musicians,” he said.
Mabengwana said they would sign up anyone who could sing and was based in the province.
“Asanda Empires is more than just a record label, it is a platform and opportunity for the South African youth to better their lives by building a name for themselves and starting a career in the music business.
“We strive for national and international success, we believe in hand-in-hand cooperation,” he said.
Artists hoping to work with the label can contact them via their Facebook page, Asanda Empires. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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