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MC Lumoex is a musician. At least, that is his passion. When he’s not making music, he is a businessman. A sit down with MC Lumoex, and you can see how brilliant and introspective he is. A further discussion about his music and purpose in the society and you can feel the creativity and wisdom pouring out of words.

Since launching his foray into music in 1997, the singer has gone on to release hits that received massive airplay and collaborated with South Sudanese (S.S) artistes such as Princess Golda, Tutu babe/Sbizzy, Djcent, Hani Breva, Cool Nabo, WJ and Dynamic (S.S/ USA), among others. His regional repertoire of collaboration includes Ugandan artistes such as Ziza Bafana, Anita da Diva and Prince Ali, among others.

He is also the founder of the Alabu Dance contest, which seeks to reward your birding talent in dance choreography.

MC Lumoex’s story is still unfolding. We are so glad he agreed to an interview!

On why he makes music and what his songs are all about

Nature and life rules pushed me down the path of music because it was the only way that I felt connected with my people. Everyone knows about the history of S.S; therefore, anything that could bring people under one roof regardless of ethnicity or political stands was a welcoming course. I must say that I’ve been lucky enough to keep going because several have quit over the years for one reason or the other. Challenges are part of the job though – being able to perform as well as you can even though the circumstances are frustrating!

On which artist he listened to while growing up

I am a traditional boy; this means that I enjoy my classical music a lot. Culture is the only thing that distinguishes us from each other, but it also brings us together. I would not say I have a favourite artist, but I sample music based on its content rather than an individual. One thing that’s for sure is how I make my music is based on how I value my roots as a south Sudanese and an African at the same time.

On advising young artist looking to venture into music

Many people will try to discourage you, but never give up. You’ll have to face many difficulties, but it’s part of the game. So always stay focused on your goals and finding the best ways for you to achieve them. One important aspect not to forget is originality – sound original and unique that will guarantee you a following.

On what legacy he wishes to leave behind

I want to be remembered as a musician who was true to himself and not being afraid of fully expressing himself. My music goals would be further my collaborations in other countries. This way, I can introduce the S.S culture and languages. I want Arabi Juba to be known across the region and continent. My videos are a depiction of our cultures, and the art of singing depicts the same. My music videos also stand out as they meet my taste, my values, my search of a meaning and constant need of identifying with where I am from.

On funny/interesting stories from life as a musician?

This is hilarious! So I was performing on a very high raised stage feeling and then suddenly I stepped on an open space, and I fell off the stage. But the upside of it is that I continued performing despite experiencing sharp pain in my knee. The crowd assumed it was part of the show, and I kept cheering. In the morning, pictures of me were all over, and the media even branded me ‘best performer wish they knew. The lesson here is that you can turn any misfortune on stage into an art of performance.

On his latest project

I am currently working on releasing a song on human trafficking titled ‘Tebiu Nas’. The song seeks to educate my people about the dangers of human trafficking. It is a collaboration with Crazy fox. Once the restriction on the pandemic subsides, I would wish to conduct a nationwide tour because this is a message that hits close to home. Young people must not be lured with promises of a better life only for them to be hurt once they leave the country.

South Sudan’s visually impaired musician Gordon Koang has released his 11th album titled Unity.

Speaking to NME about the 8-track offering, Koang said: “Unity is essential in this world. One hand cannot clap, but two hands can bring the sound. I call it ‘Unity’ because if the Nuer, Aussie, Indian, Asian… all the communities in the world worked together; we can grow.”

The songs in the album are based on his personal experience. For instance, ‘Kone Ke Ran’ comforts the distressed while ‘Asylum Seekers’ offers hope to asylum in a new country. 

Other songs in the album include ‘South Sudan’, ‘Tiel e Nei Nywal Ke Ran, ‘Mal Mi Goa’ and ‘Stand Up’, among others. He said that the purpose of his music was to “make people happy and to unite for peace. 

The future of the music industry is uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Koang said that music is “much needed at this time.” He also announced plans to hold online concerts from his home with the home that the songs will comfort people and spark positive discussions.

Living in Australia since 2014, Koang who has come to be known as the South Sudanese King of Music sings in English, Arabic and his mother tongue, Nuer and also plays the thom, a traditional Nuer stringed instrument. 

He was granted an Australian residency in 2019 and has since performed at major music festival in Australia notably Meredith Music Festival, Strawberry Fields and Brunswick Music Festival.

“Many people never understood why I came from overseas as a blind man,” he said. Therefore with the release of Unity, he hopes to show “the people in Australia that I am a musician, and that music is a friend to everyone.”

Koang hails from the Upper Nile region of South Sudan and is always accompanied by his cousin Paul Biel. Together the perform a blend of traditional Neur rhythms.

Buy the Unity album here 

As part of the ongoing global celebrations after Liverpool won their first Premier League crown and 19th overall title in the English top-flight at the end of June after leading for almost the entire season, the club’s fans in Juba, South Sudan have planned an event on 1 Augusts at the Notos restaurant to celebrate the victory.

The Saturday celebration event will begin at 5 pm and is organised by the Liver Pool Victory Party association, which will also donate foodstuffs, toiletries and facemasks to the South Sudanese Organisation of Old people (SSOP).

The Notos restaurant has made preparations for a live band performance on the said date. The band members include Emmanuel Lasu, Paluku Liko, Diani Ndagire, Madina Kalunji, Pele John, Mosses Mbokalia, Fali Bakone, Ale Kabuya and Eli Atibu.

The win was the club’s first league crown since 1990, and its 32nd win of the Premier League, a number just one team in history has reached before. Manchester City recorded 32 victories in consecutive seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19, as Pep Guardiola’s men won back-to-back titles.

At the same time, Liverpool’s Premier League-winning boss Jürgen Klopp was announced as the 2019-20 recipient of the prestigious accolade on Monday, having guided his team to a club-record 99 points in the top flight this season.

“I am absolutely delighted to get this wonderful trophy. It’s really wonderful and I had already the opportunity to have a look who won it before and there are obviously a lot of big, big Liverpool names involved,” he said.

Nigerian act Mr. Eazi will launch a $20m initiative called the Africa Music Fund (AMF) to support existing and emerging African music-makers. 

Mr. Eazi told CNN on 17 July that the AMF lead investor is 88mph, a company that provides capital for African businesses. He said a new music distribution platform called Cinch Distro would be used to predict an artist’s future streaming revenues to determine their eligibility for the fund.

African artists using the platform will be charged $1.19 to upload one song to major music stores for or $10 for unlimited song uploads. Selected artists will receive financial support to expand their catalog as well as a music marketing and distribution deal.

Cinch Distro will launch through a partnership between Mr. Eazi’s artist accelerator programme, emPawa Africa and global music tech company Vydia. 

“The artists use the platform to distribute their music, and we monitor their progress. That way, we can make data-backed decisions about who to invest in,” he said.

 “Let’s say we have a two-year contract with someone. In those two years, we will be their representative, helping them manage their music, and as they grow, we will be deducting the initial investment from their earnings.”

Music analyst Toye Sokunbi welcomed the AMF initiative but asked artists to keep a lookout for how their data is compiled and used. “Many artists don’t have the same accessibility to important data that music distributors have about their music,” he said.

“They don’t necessarily tell you the exact way they are marketing your music or give artists access to data they can use to maximize revenue for their content. This information imbalance means artists are largely oblivious of much of the audience data farmed from their content.”

In response, Mr. Eazi said: “With our tech platform, you can see how much you earn in real-time, you can also see how much you owe and how that is being deducted.”

This new venture follows the success of emPawa Africa that has provided start-up funding to 130 emerging African artists to launch their professional recording careers. The mentorship program has seen the rise of artists such as Joeboy and Lady Donli from Nigeria and J.Derobie (Ghana), among others. 

Sarah Osman popularly known as Kinky is one of the few female broadcasters in the music and entertainment scene in Juba, South Sudan (S.S).

With a career spanning six years, she tells Music In Africa that although the S.S recording music industry is one of the less developed in the region the best of her career has been to experience the growth of a few S.S artists into regional and international stars. She hopes that through her radio program, which fronts new music from S.S, more artists will gain the opportunity to work with regional producers and promoters. 

She spoke to Willy Entertainment about her work and provided an overview of the current music scene in Africa’s youngest nation.

Can you give us an oveie of women representatio in S.S?

Gender equality is a huge women’s issue. Men are still in total control across all sectors including music. The irony is that most of the top women from S.S excel outside the country. For this reason, I encourage more women to step up and take charge. But, this can only happen if the men at the top can give women an opportunity to reach their full potential. For the women who wish to join the entertainment industry, you need to have thick skin there is a lot of stereotypes about women in music. You also need a huge network of relevant players in the industry such as producers, promoters, etc. On the other hand, i would say that there is a need for more women empowerment programs because for s long the men have taken charge and the women are used to proving the supporting role, yet in some cases, they are more qualified. 

Did you start immediately as a music and entertainment presenter?

My first on-air experience was as a voice-over artist in 2012. I mainly made commercial adverts for companies here in Juba and the then Voice of the People radio station. In 2014, I moved to live on-air presentation at Liberty FM, I then moved to Capital FM before settling at Radio One where I have been a host since 2016.

What does a typical day look like for you?

What I love about my job is that no day is boring. My show runs from Monday to Saturday between 6 AM and 10 AM. My show requires a lot of content so I spend most of my afternoons researching current affairs news, celebrity gist. I also have a birthday shutout segment for the listeners.

Are there many media houses in South Sudan?

We have only one TV station; SSBC [South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation] and about ten private and community-based radio stations in Juba.

What has been the best part of your job so far?

I am so grateful that I have managed to stick to what I am passionate about which is radio and music. But the best thing so far would be the fact that I have managed to promote upcoming artists not only my show through airplay and interviews on my show but also by linking them with other artists for collaboration. I am happy when such a connection happens.

Last year, there were numerous complains online from South Sudanese accusing radio presenters of being biased. This is common in other countries as well but one would assume that being a young country and industry, presenters would strive to promote local talent.

Yes, there was an online protest on social media by different musicians asking for more airplay from DJs, clubs and radio presenters. The trend has been going on for some time now but artists should know that radio stations have standards. A song has to be well produced and the artist needs to be talented. Therefore, if a song lacks these two things, then it is not worth playing.

So the local producers need better training in production?

We have young producers with the drive but they need help to be better. All productions are digitally produced and this means that there is not much creativity that can take place. Other countries like Kenya and Uganda have embraced live recording with instruments.

Live music production is very expensive and it needs a well-equipped studio and skilled sound engineers.

Yes, and we do not have such studios yet. The producers also need training on how to record. There are also very few instrumentalists. If we can make this happen then we will have better music and a sound of our own.

What else do you think is urgently needed for the Sudanese artists to progress?

We have good venues that can do very well as live music venues such as the Dr John Garang Mausoleum and the Nyakuron Cultural Center grounds. But they lack equipment and other facilities such as a good stage. Stages are available for hire but the good ones have to be outsourced. For instance, when Harmonize [Tanzanian bongo flava artist] came to juba for the second time, all the sound systems plus the stage were all hired from Uganda.

Something else that needs to be formed is the artist union. We had one before but due to irreconcilable differences between artists, the leadership was dissolved and it has been dormant since.

Who are some of your favorite artists now?

I enjoy different genres from RnB to reggae and dancehall. So my yop artists at the moment are YMO, Yogo Man, Emmanuel Kembe and Yanas who is one of the few musicians that perform with a live band.

Dynamq, Nyaruach, and Emmanuel Jal are the top South Sudanese artists internationally

Yes, no doubt. Living outside S.S has its advantages. They have the opportunity to work with great producers and interact with other successful musicians in the diaspora unlike musicians back home who lack that opportunity. The artists have formed their own identity and I hope they will one day come back and share their experiences with the artists here so that they can be challenged to do better.

You are very optimistic about this industry

Yes. I have seen it grow slowly but steadily. The future is promising because we have talented artists and all that is needed is proper guidance on consistency and originality.

What advice would you give women looking to join the
entertainment scene?
I do not have any advice but I hope to see more women break stereotypes. There is no gender parity in S.S. It would be my joy to see more women in politics and taking part in the major decision-making processes in our country. As for the music industry, I challenge women to become hiphop artists, producers, event organisers, and promoters. Our industry is very small but with a lot of potential. The time to stamp your footprint is now.

Universal Music Group (UMG) has launched new divisions in Morocco and Israel.

Universal Music Morocco will operate from Casablanca, led by business development executive Serena Safieddine, who will work alongside UMG’s regional headquarters in Dubai, and report into Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA.

The Morocco team will develop projects with Universal Music France, where labels have previously achieved success with global-facing French-language artists from the region.

“Within Morocco and their immediate neighbors, there is a wealth of untapped artist talent and we are excited to introduce these unique sounds to global audiences, platforms and partners,” Boulos said.

Universal Music Israel will be based in Tel Aviv. Yoram Mokady has been appointed as MD for the new outfit, and will report into Adam Granite, EVP for market development at UMG.

“As the first major global music company in-market, UMG will look to identify, sign and develop the best domestic artist talent, whilst working closely with partners, technology companies and local start-ups to create innovative campaigns and projects to help UMG artists to reach the widest possible audience worldwide,” Mokady said

“Our intention is to provide real support, infrastructure and people on the ground in each country, helping the entire regional music ecosystem grow, and giving local artists the best opportunity to reach new audiences around the world,” Granite added.

The African Gospel Foundation is calling on gospel musicians to submit songs for the Gospel Dreams Africa singing competition. To participate, you must be above 16 years old.

Participation

Musicians should submit a one-minute audition video via WhatsApp to +268 7807 7488 and +27 76472 6583.

Please note:

The video must include the contestant’s name and surname, country of origin,

Example: “My name is Ayal Atem. I am 21 years old from Juba, South Sudan,” followed by singing.

Prizes

The winner will receive:

• A one-album record deal
• A full year of publicity, branding and marketing with a reputable PR company.
• A legal contract with an entertainment law firm for the same period, and perform at the Crown Gospel Music Awards and the Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards.

The deadline is 20 July.

Kenyan singer-songwriter Otile Brown has released his debut album Just In Love, in collaboration with Boomplay.

The 10-song album is his first major project, following his entry into music industry in 2015. 

In that period, he has established himself as one of Kenya’s most exciting musical prospects, as well as a leading voice in the region. “Just In Love” is set to further enhance this, with collaborations in the album featuring East African giants: Mejja, Khaligraph Jones, Tanzania’s Juma Jux, Meddy from Rwanda and Burundian singer Kidum.

Speaking on the album’s release, Otile Brown says, “My fans should be prepared for a musical feast for the senses. Expect nothing but flames! I believe from this album, I’ll be able to win over new fans, because the vibes are different from what many are used to.”

Just In Love explores themes of love and the relationship between men and women, while drawing inspiration from a variety of different musical genres, from R&B to Afropop. The album’s mid-tempo hits include “Regina”, “Hit and Run”, “Leila”, “Dusuma”, “Pretty Gal” and reggae infused “Umedamshi”, with the up-tempo groovy tracks including “Dede”,

“Kosea”, “Watoto Na Pombe” and “Zaidi Yako”.

Speaking on the support he has received from Boomplay, Otile notes that the project was a labor of love, and the process was easy: “For the longest time I didn’t believe in doing albums but Boomplay guided me in the right direction and supported me from a business and marketing perspective. I’m glad to have worked with them on this album, which fans can get exclusively on Boomplay!”

Stream JUST IN LOVE on Boomplay: https://bit.ly/2XYmDc9

Multi -Award winning group Sauti Sol return with their fifth studio album, Midnight Train, released today on Universal Music Africa. The 13 track album takes you through the journey of life, embracing the trials and tribulations that come with it.

The title track “Midnight Train”, produced by Andre Harris (Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Jill Scott), is a representation of their never -say-die attitude. The song is about their hustle and the effort they have put into their career, burning the midnight oil.

“We’ve had an amazing journey so far and it’s like an ever moving train. Each time we make it to a destination we realize the road doesn’t stop there. We continue to better ourselves and look forward to bringing our fans along with us as we grow, says member Chimano.

With many accolades, awards and global recognition, Sauti Sol has been soaring high, offering 4 critically acclaimed singles ahead of the album’s release. The release of the rhythmic love jam “Suzanna” set the stage for the album. “Disco Matanga” featuring Sho Madjozi and Black Motion enticed fans as the lead song from Netflix’s Queen Sono and the uplifting “Brighter Days,” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir, gave hope at the beginning of the world pandemic. The recent release “Insecure” explores the fear and insecurity that lies deep within. Listen Here:

Singing in Swahili, Luhya, Luo and English, Sauti Sol prides themselves on storytelling as an East African tradition that permeates music from that region and this is what has kept them relevant with audiences across the world and earned them so many accolades along the way.

Midnight Train track list:

1. Intro

2. Midnight Train

3. Insecure

4. Feel My Love

5. Brighter Days ft. Soweto Gospel Choir

6. Nenda Lote

7. Suzanna

8. Set Me Free (Interlude)

9. My Everything ft. India Arie

10. Wake Up ft. Mortimer

11. Sober

12. Rhumba Japani ft. Kaskazini, Bensoul, Xenia, Nviiri the Storyteller, Okello Max, NHP

13. Disco Matanga (Yambakhana) ft. Black Motion & Sho Madjozi     

Sony/ATV Music Publishing South Africa announced it has named Munyaradzi Chanetsa (Munya) A&R Manager, Africa, effective June 1.

Munyaradzi said, “I am joining a great team of talented people who share my passion, and I just cannot wait to see what we can all achieve together.”

In this role, Munyaradzi will be responsible for finding new talent throughout the continent, promoting songwriters’ copyright and careers, and connecting them to larger opportunities around the world. He will also work closely with colleagues to pitch new and existing repertoire into the marketplace.

Rowlin Naicker, Managing Director of Sony/ATV South Africa said: “I have worked with Munya previously and I have no doubt we have a person here who brings with him dedication, passion and experience, which is key as we expand our publishing business across the continent. We are excited to work with him to achieve our goals.”

Guy Henderson, Sony/ATV President, International, said: “Munya is a creative talent with vast experience and a perfect fit for our company and its creative ambitions. With Munya’s position in the creative community both in South Africa and across the African continent, he will be a great addition to our global team.”

Munyaradzi is a prominent music executive in South Africa and throughout the continent. With his A&R and licensing experience spanning over ten years, he has engaged mobile and online platforms, independent record labels, artists and music publishers. He has also been a featured presenter on music copyright at leading forums in South Africa, Angola, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

He joins Sony/ATV SA from CAPASSO (Composers, Authors, Publishers Association of SA) where he served as Head of Licensing. Prior to that, Munyaradzi was Head of Operations at Content Connect Africa whilst also assuming the role of Managing Director of Content Connect Ghana and Content Connect International. Earlier in his career, he was Head of Marketing & Promotions for Putumayo World Music in South Africa, which is based in New York.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing is the #1 global music publisher, which is home to world-class songwriters, legendary catalogs, and industry-leading synchronization licensing and production music businesses. With an international network of 38 offices, Sony/ATV represents many of the most iconic songs ever written by celebrated songwriters such as The Beatles, Bob. Dylan, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Queen, The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, as well as contemporary superstars such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, P!nk, and Sam Smith.

Sony/ATV South African songwriters include Hugh Masekela, Abdullah Ibrahim, Brenda Fassie, Mdu, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, E Kelly, Freshlyground, Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Beatenberg, Celebration, JR, D’Banj, Matthew Mole, Busiswa, Moonchild and Oskido.

South Sudanese artists are encouraged to apply for the African Culture Fund (ACF) COVID-19 Solidarity Fund. The amount to be granted by the ACF is $2 000 per artist.

To qualify, artists must meet the following conditions:

1. Be an artist with at least five years of experience, practicing and residing in Africa (proof required).
2. Hold an artist card or equivalent document (provide a copy of the card or document).
3. Provide a document showing your biography, your artistic career, your artistic approach and an overview of your artistic works (three pages maximum).
4. Demonstrate a situation of vulnerability (or a shortfall) arising from the COVID-19 health crisis.
5. Submit a project request for subsistence (food grant, health grant or professional grant) or for assistance to creation (artistic creation or innovation within the context of COVID -19).
6. Provide a letter of recommendation from at least one recognized reference person in the discipline you practice (pointing out the need and urgency to support you).

Types of eligible projects

The ACF supports requests in the following two categories:

Category 1: Applications for subsistence grants

• These are requests made by any artist or creator in a situation of vulnerability to the COVID-19 crisis. These requests relate to food grants, health grants and professional grants.

 Category 2: Requests for assistance to creation

• These requests relate to artistic creation or innovation projects adapted to the context of COVID-19 in Africa.

The approved projects will be funded in two instalments:

1. 50% of the grant, upon signing of the contract (pre-financing).
2. 50% of the grant at mid-term, and upon presentation and approval of the narrative and interim financial reports.

To apply, click  here. The deadline is 30 June.

View the original call here .