Category Archives: blog

SOUTH AFRICA’S MUSIC SCENE IS EXPLODING

South Africa is having a moment — not a quiet one, not a subtle one — a loud, bass-heavy, dance-floor-shaking moment. From global chart takeovers to genre-bending innovation, the country’s music scene has never been more electric, more creative, or more unstoppable than it is right now. In a world hungry for fresh sound, South Africa isn’t just delivering — it’s leading. AMAPIANO: FROM EKASI TO THE WORLD What started in township living rooms and backyard studios is now filling stadiums in London, Lagos, and Los Angeles. Amapiano has become a cultural movement, not just a genre — inspiring dance challenges, fashion trends, and global collaborations. South African producers and DJs are headlining international festivals, proving that local sound has undeniable global power. THE RISE OF AFRICAN POP ROYALTY Artists like Tyla, Musa Keys, Uncle Waffles, Blxckie, Mörda and DBN Gogo are redefining what it means to be a global superstar. They’re blending African rhythms with pop, R&B, electronic and house influences, creating a new wave of modern African pop that the world can’t stop streaming. And the best part? The world’s attention isn’t fading — it’s intensifying. TECHNOLOGY IS LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD With accessible software, online learning, and world-class local academies bridging the gap between passion and profession, it’s never been easier to enter the industry. Bedroom producers are going viral. TikTok is launching unknown talent into superstardom. Opportunities that once required gatekeepers are now just a beat drop away. South Africa is proving that if you have the sound, the world will find you. THE INDUSTRY IS EXPANDING — FAST More festivals. More artist opportunities. More events. More live music. More global collaborations. More money flowing into African entertainment than ever before. Record labels and global entertainment companies are parking themselves right here, looking for the next wave of talent. Spoiler alert: that wave is local. SO, WHY IS NOW THE TIME TO JOIN? Because the train isn’t just moving — it’s flying. The world is watching. The world is listening. And the world is ready for the next superstar, producer, DJ, songwriter, or artist manager to come straight out of South Africa. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the music industry, this moment is your golden ticket. The doors are open wider than they’ve ever been. Whether you want to DJ, produce, perform, create, manage talent, or build a brand — the industry needs you, and the timing has never been better. THE FUTURE OF MUSIC IS AFRICAN — AND IT STARTS RIGHT HERE. This is the era. This is the wave. This is the energy. And if you’re thinking of joining the music industry… there has literally never been a better time to get on board. All aboard. 🚆🔥🎧

Sibusiso (Breeze) Shezi

Lecturer

Breeze aka Zulu Bass King is a musician who brings years of experience in studio, on radio, and on the stage to Rise Academy.
He has had tracks played on major SA radio stations, multiple music nominations, and has performed at some of South Africa’s largest music events. He’s worked with a huge array of top artists such as Nasty C, Soweto Gospel Choir, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, just to mention a few.

He used to dance and play rugby competitively and loves to run fitness drills with our performance students to get them ready to pull off amazing stage routines.

CHAY COOK

DIGITAL

Chay is a Public Relations practitioner who manages all of the academy’s
communications. Her role combines an enthusiasm for social media, digital
marketing, and music.
She is also on hand to help students with their marketing and PR queries by
ensuring that her door is always open, and if students are lucky there might even be
some peppermint crisp tart up for grabs since her recipe is one of the best.

CHAY COOK

DIGITAL

Chay is a Public Relations practitioner who manages all of the academy’s
communications. Her role combines an enthusiasm for social media, digital
marketing, and music.
She is also on hand to help students with their marketing and PR queries by
ensuring that her door is always open, and if students are lucky there might even be
some peppermint crisp tart up for grabs since her recipe is one of the best.

JAMES VERKERK

LECTURER


James is a DJ who got his start at the age of 16. He brings his onstage energy and
enthusiasm for music to the Rise Academy classroom where he teaches students
everything they need to know about the art of DJing. He is a skilled sound engineer
with a background in recording, producing and mixing.
James also trained as a classical pianist and is an avid surfer.

CRAIG GREEN

CO-FOUNDER

With more than two decades of experience in event organising, planning and logistics, Craig knows the ins and outs of the music world. He brings an invaluable
network of industry contacts to the Rise Academy community.
In 1998, Craig began U-PARTY, an event production and management company assisting schools to raise funds through community events and socials. He holds a BComm degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a self- proclaimed lego aficionado.

SUE GREEN

CO-FOUNDER & MD

Sue brings her business acumen and passion for youth development to the academy, which she launched in 2015. She is a savvy consultant who is experienced in coordinating music events that attract young audiences.
Sue’s academic background in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) piqued her interest in business ethics — a subject she ended up teaching at UCT during the final year of her Honours degree. She also loves cats and practices Jiu-jitsu.