Ballantine’s Scotch whisky and long-term partner Boiler Room continue their
pledge to create a safer and more inclusive music culture through their
global event series, True Music Studios which will be returning to South
Africa making its debut in the township Soweto, known as the birthplace of
the popular rising genre, Amapiano.
Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios champions diversity and
inclusivity in music through a series of events that bring together
communities to showcase and celebrate local sounds, scenes and cultures.
Following on from True Music Studios in Johannesburg last year which
celebrated the sounds of Amapiano in collaboration with music pioneer, DJ
and hitmaker, DBN Gogo; Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios is
heading to the historic township of Soweto, home to both Amapiano and
underground icon Njelic from the 15th-18th February. Soweto born and
raised, and a legend of the South African house scene, Njelic continues to
shape the Amapiano genre and will be the lead collaborator for the Soweto
edition of True Music Studios.
Despite the most concentrated poverty in South Africa, Soweto has continued
to fuel the country’s music scene and garnered fame around the world. The
four-day True Music Studios event aims to recognise and celebrate the next
wave of seminal talent rising out of the city who are following in the
footsteps of these Sowetan legends.
Related
True Music Studios will showcase a run of events focused on the local
sounds and scenes including:
• ‘In Conversation With…’ 15th February – Hosted by Mpumelelo Frypan, two
in-depth conversations will connect audiences with Soweto’s key players
including collaborator Njelic, ‘The Godfather’ M’du Masilela, the lead
singer of Soweto global jazz sensation BCUC Nkosi Zuthulele, DJ and music
specialist DJ Buhle, as well as singer-songwriter Nobantu Vilakazi.
• ‘Party Broadcast’ 16th February – Curated by our collaborator Njelic, the
party broadcast features live performances from the next generation of
South African talent including Njelic himself, Kabza De Small, Kamo
Mphela, Daliwonga, TOSS and Playgal.
• ‘Masterclass with Kamo Mphela’ 18th February – Dubbed the newly acclaimed
‘Queen of Amapiano’ and one of South Africa’s biggest stars, singer and
dancer Kamo Mphela hosts a masterclass showcasing some of the most killer
moves from her hometown.
• ‘Community event with Le Grand Ball’ 18th February – Le Grand Ball will
bring together four Houses from Johannesburg to compete in a runway
presentation; with the winning House receiving a R5000 cash prize to
continue competing. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to organisations
that promote the development of trans and gender diverse movements within
South Africa.
Tom Elton, Head of Culture and Partnerships at Ballantine’s says, “Now nine
years into our partnership with Boiler Room, we’re committed to continuing
our journey through True Music Studios, a platform designed to move local
music culture forward. Our motto ‘a friend to all humankind’ has been on
the crest of every bottle for over 100 years; True Music’s home has, and
always will be, the metaphorical dancefloor – and we’re striving to make
sure that is a place where everyone feels part of the experience.”
Ballantine’s has been a long-time champion of underrepresented music
communities, celebrating local talent through its True Music platform and
partnership with Boiler Room. Over the past nine years, we have supported
over 600 artists, across 70+ events, in 20+ countries.
Sign up for the latest information to stream each event and tickets for
True Music Studios Soweto at
To find out more about Ballantine’s True Music check out
www.Ballantines.com/truemusic @Ballantines
