This Song Feature highlights “That Song on the Radio” by Rebekah Griffiths of Superfreak Music, London, United Kingdom. Written by Rebekah Griffiths and scheduled for release in 2026, the track delivers an upbeat pop sound with an energetic, happy, and cheerful mood. With its fun and catchy character, the song is well suited for both male and female recording artists looking for a positive and commercially appealing title. Its strong melodic feel and uplifting vibe make it a promising option for artists, publishers, and industry professionals seeking fresh pop material with broad potential.

“Temme (Tell Me)”, the latest release by Brillante (South Africa) and Friedhelm “Les Paul” Holz (Germany), shows exactly how Music2Deal connects professionals across the world to create real opportunities. Brillante and Les Paul connected right here on Music2Deal, exchanging ideas and quickly discovering a creative match. That connection led to an international collaboration that brought together songwriting, production and performance across two countries. Track Credits Instrumental Production: Friedhelm “Les Paul” Holz (Germany) Lyrics & Vocals: Ferrero Brillante (South Africa) Record Production: SlowNjo Born King Chilli Studio: One 50 Nine Studios Watch the performance here: https://youtu.be/V9Pp0BBGTSk?si=yFcGnKi4R6-LHwF9 About Friedhelm “Les Paul” Holz (Germany) Les Paul is a songwriter and lyricist from Bonn who composes in both German and English. His work is rooted in pop and rock and his career includes releases with Cologne’s carnival music scene, collaborations with Rolf Lessenich (first singer of De Höhner) and performances in several rock ’n roll bands. On Music2Deal, he focuses on songwriting and collaboration, offering compositions in pop, rock and related styles. Connect with him on Music2Deal: https://www.music2deal.com/de/-cTRcyq5zyc0K368VSiv0bKxOHQ About Brillante (South Africa) Brillante AKA Nkanyiso Mtshali is a Durban-based musician, storyteller and creative entrepreneur. His work spans music, poetry, film, presenting and choreography. He has been active in the arts since childhood and continues to release music while working as a radio presenter. He also runs Brillante Brands, a management and media consultancy offering branding, PR, artist services and creative production. Connect with him on Music2Deal: https://www.music2deal.com/za/brillanteworldwide This collaboration is another clear example of what Music2Deal offers: • A verified global network • Professional connections • Real deals between serious music creators • A platform where South African and international talent can meet and work together “Temme (Tell Me)” is the result of two professionals finding the right partner in the right place. Music2Deal congratulates Brillante and Les Paul on this achievement and we look forward to many more collaborations within our growing community.

With over a decade in training, communication and people development, Nduduzo brings a measured and thoughtful approach to supporting creatives. As a senior trainer, he helps teams build practical leadership and decision‑making skills — experience that informs his steady, people‑first way of working in the music industry. His formal entry into publishing began with the Kumisa Publishing Programme, where he built a strong foundation in contracts, rights management and the modern publishing landscape. Since then, he has expanded his footprint through international connections, ongoing learning and hands‑on industry practice. He is also the founder of Bantu Time Music, a publishing company dedicated to empowering artists through ownership, education and sustainable career-building. Beyond publishing, Nduduzo is a music business professional, facilitator and coach with a strong grounding in composition, copyright management and audience‑centred learning. His work sits at the intersection of music, education and industry practice, translating complex concepts like royalties, ownership, licensing and publishing into clear, practical tools that artists can apply to strengthen their careers. He works especially well with artists who need direction in organising their careers, understanding the publishing ecosystem or building better professional habits. Because he actively embraces new learning environments himself, he brings empathy and structure to creatives who may feel uncertain, overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. Nduduzo invites artists and music professionals to connect with him on Music2Deal, especially those who value informed guidance, long‑term thinking and sustainable music careers. Music2Deal is pleased to have him as part of our growing professional community. Connect with Nduduzo: Email: nw.makhanya@gmail.com WhatsApp: +2781 4639399

ACCES 2026 will take place in Johannesburg from 12 to 14 November 2026 and applications are now open for African artists who want to perform at this year’s showcase programme. This is a strong opportunity for musicians seeking international visibility and access to industry decision‑makers. Entries close on 30 April 2026. For full details and to apply, please visit the official link below:

Today we welcome a young Johannesburg-based broadcaster and music compiler who brings passion, talent and drive into every space she enters. She is part of the VOW FM family (Voice of Wits), where she currently hosts the Weekend Breakfast Show and curates weekend playlists that highlight her love for R&B, neo-soul and house music. Her connection to music runs deep. Some people study their way into understanding how a song fits into radio. She feels it in her marrow. It’s natural, instinctive and backed by hours of listening, learning and paying attention to audience behaviour. Her radio journey at VOW FM includes: • Hosting the Weekend Breakfast Show • Hosting an R&B-focused weekly show • Co-hosting the VOW Drive show • Compiling, scheduling and managing weekend music playlists • Working closely with the music department to align content with the station’s sound. She’s comfortable behind the mic and even more comfortable connecting with people. Her on-air presence is calm, warm and relatable, the kind of voice listeners trust. Alongside her radio journey, she has built a strong foundation in operations, customer experience and real estate and is expanding her skillset through online studies in public relations and communications, content support as well as digital marketing and AI-driven productivity. Her passion for communication extends into podcasting, YouTube content, hosting and speaking. She has also worked as a MC and speaker at events and enjoys engaging young people on topics that matter to them, from career development to navigating challenges. She has a natural way of speaking to youth which is honest and uplifting. She also has a keen interest in music law, publicity and the business side of the industry. We are proud to welcome her to Music2Deal South Africa, and we look forward to seeing her journey unfold. Follow her online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LebolangaZA/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lebolangaZA Bookings & Business Enquiries: LebolangaZA@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__lebolanga/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lebolanga.za

In this edition, we highlight four commercial-ready music tracks — available for sync in film, games, commercials, and multimedia productions: Tony Catania aka Tom Civic (Award winning producer, i.e. Scatman John), USA — Can You Face It Dance electronica track released in 2026 and designed for high-energy commercial use. Dynamic, powerful, and engaging, with soulful male English vocals and an upbeat, fast-paced groove. Good for: Compilation, Gaming, Commercial, Film, Ringtone Licensing Info: Ready to Sync Daniel Silveira (Paula Fernandes, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Michael Bolton…), Brazil — Gigantes de Nazaré (Nazaré’s Giants) A dramatic, down-tempo cinematic rock instrumental inspired by ocean power. No vocals. Good for: Gaming, Commercial, Film Licensing Info: Ready to Sync Ohashi Atsuyoshi (Hotgood-Music), Japan — Dreams Are So Far Away Mid-tempo, cheerful pop song with romantic, energetic vibes and male English vocals. Good for: Gaming, Commercial, Film Licensing Info: Ready to Sync Krysten Berg (Sirius Entertainment), USA — The Sound Mid-tempo romantic pop track with female English vocals. Good for: Commercial, Film Licensing Info: PRO: ASCAP → Read the full blog article:

Music2Deal Ambassador Stuart Epps is expanding his activities with his own label, Epps Records, while continuing to offer direct support to artists who want to take their productions to a higher level. Through production, mixing, mastering, and creative guidance, he helps artists strengthen the sound, structure, and overall quality of their recordings — whether they work with him in person or remotely. Stuart’s official sites present both Epps Records and his current offer to work with new artists on production and mixing. With a career that reaches back to the late 1960s, Stuart Epps has worked with world-renowned artists including Elton John, Led Zeppelin, George Harrison, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Bill Wyman, and others. That level of experience makes this not only a label story, but also a real opportunity for artists who feel their music has potential but still needs stronger production to compete at a higher level.

The A&R Registry is a highly specialized contact directory for music professionals looking to reach A&R executives at major and leading independent labels in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, London, Chicago, Atlanta, Vancouver, Toronto, and Sydney. The 12-issue PDF package includes more than 800 listings per issue, with direct contact details, social media information, and email links for over 1,800 record label A&R professionals. In addition, each issue features interviews with industry professionals, curated A&R-related news, a calendar of music conferences and conventions, and a quick-reference alphabetical personnel index. The directory is also available in PDF and CSV formats. This edition comes from our partner Music Business Registry, which has been publishing up-to-date music industry contact directories for more than three decades, including the A&R Registry, Film & Television Music Guide, Music Publishers, and Music Business Attorneys.

Professionally known as 4Staan, Mckaywer Sting is a music producer, recording artist, and mixing & mastering engineer based in Kanyakumari, India. With more than six years of experience in independent music production, he brings creative energy, international ambition, and a strong belief in the power of music to connect people across borders. In the interview, he also speaks about one of today’s biggest challenges for independent artists: gaining real visibility in an overcrowded market. That is exactly why strong industry networks and meaningful collaborations matter. Among his notable achievements are airplay for his debut album on BBC Asian Radio and strong online traction for his release “Vikram – Venuma En Recipe.”

This edition features professionals from the United States, Switzerland, Indonesia, and Germany: 🎧 Lars Deutsch (USA) – Emmy-winning composer & producer with 400+ scored films and campaigns for brands like Starbucks and Postmates. 🎧 Andy Prinz (Switzerland) – Award-winning producer and publisher, co-founder of multiple labels, innovating with AI and blockchain. 🎧 Hari Seno (Indonesia) – Music business consultant and cinematic music producer, supporting global independent artists. 🎧 Christian Meyer-Pedersen (Germany) – Songwriter and creator of genre-blending tracks under adMeyerMusic, ready for collaboration and licensing. Music2Deal connects over 18,000 verified music professionals worldwide — turning contacts into deals.

This edition features artist profiles ready for collaboration and licensing: Hilla Peer (Israel) – Pop: A versatile vocalist and songwriter creating professional custom vocals and sync-ready original music tailored for commercials and film. Paula Szczyt (Poland) – Alternative Pop Rock: Blending raw rock energy with soulful blues, she creates emotionally driven tracks perfect for visual media and live performances. SUIT (Argentina) – Pop: An energetic band known for their high-quality productions, including their latest release recorded at the famous Unísono studio. Morgana Magna / Furies (France) – Rock: Delivering powerful, myth-inspired music with the intense, driving energy of classic rock, ideal for recording and media projects.

“Такою як є” by Ukrainian songwriter Fokla Fortel is an indie track with a mid-tempo feel and a multi-layered mood: romantic, uplifting, happy, and melancholic. It features tender female vocals and emotionally mature lyrics about choosing each other and emotional closeness. Fokla’s background in film directing adds vivid imagery and a subtle cinematic aftertaste. This song is original and unpublished and is available for exclusive or non-exclusive publishing deals. Fokla is also open to co-writing and adaptation for the right project. (Status: demo / final version.)

Gauteng moves quickly. New music businesses appear all the time, venues keep experimenting and music creators work at a pace that never seems to slow down. In a place like that, it helps to have someone who understands how all the pieces fit together. That person is Andile Lionel Kobese, the new Music2Deal Provincial Representative for Gauteng. He is familiar with the way people, systems and industries connect because he has spent years working inside them. Lionel studied Applied Communication Management at the University of Fort Hare, where he completed both his Bachelor’s and Honours degrees. His studies covered media, corporate communication, sociology, marketing communication and developmental communication. The focus of this field is understanding how information moves, how communities respond and how organisations function. His early career was shaped inside South Africa’s civic and administrative structures. He worked in elections, courts, local government and SAPS. These roles taught him how to move through complicated systems and understand what people need within them. After this, Lionel spent many years at SAMRO. He started as a Licensing Representative and later became a Regional Sales Manager, covering the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. His work took him to venues, restaurants, shops and events. He spent much of his time speaking directly with the people who use music in their businesses. This included explaining what the law requires, what needs to be licensed and how to stay compliant while respecting the creators behind the music. He has dealt with the administration, the policies and the realities of music rights. The work is not glamorous, but it is what keeps the entire system functioning. Over time, he also ran workshops for SAMRO members. These sessions helped creators understand royalties, radio airplay and how payments are structured. His goal was always to make the complicated parts of the system easier to understand. Lionel also spent time working with key accounts. Large retail groups with in‑house radio stations rely on proper music usage, and he helped companies such as Pick n Pay and Pep understand their licensing needs across several provinces. He guided their teams on how to use music correctly in each region. Later on, he moved into community development and liaison work. This gave him a different set of skills and a deeper understanding of how to communicate across cultures. He gained experience supporting people who often have to navigate systems that do not always work in their favour. At 4Phase Consulting Engineers, Lionel worked within the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP). He supported municipalities such as Great Kei, Buffalo City and Amahlathi. Much of his work involved helping steering committees run smoothly and making sure communities were informed about what was happening around them. He continues this type of work today as a Community Liaison Officer for Vitsha Trading. He serves as a link between development projects and the communities affected by them. He keeps people updated about employment opportunities and construction progress. He has a strong ability to communicate with people at all levels, from community members to administrators, and he brings this skill into every environment he enters. At the same time, he stays connected to the creative world through podcasters and media professionals. These relationships allow him to remain involved with the industry while broadening his network. All of his experiences come together in a way that directly benefits music professionals. He understands their challenges and he understands the systems they have to work through. As the Music2Deal Provincial Representative for Gauteng, Lionel’s focus is to help the local music community use Music2Deal effectively and connect to global opportunities. Connect with him today! Email: andykobese@yahoo.com / lionel@music2deal.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andile.kobese.3 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andile-kobese-671a8a80/

Tshwanelo Masemene AKA Tee Fields is a Sandton‑based music publishing professional who lights up in the places many of us switch off i.e. copyright, contracts, registrations, royalty statements and the long trail of data that ensures creators actually get paid. She works from a firm internal code where accuracy and transparency are the baseline. Educating artists comes naturally to her and the work of music publishing and chasing up copyrights genuinely energises her. As a Music2Deal member and publisher, she’s here to protect works, support creators and keep the business side of music as clean and accountable as it should be. Tshwanelo has studied Intellectual Property Law, Business Administration, Information Technology and Marketing Management, alongside further training in data science and financial independency, giving her a rare blend of legal, business and technical literacy. Professionally, she has spent years inside the mechanics of copyright and publishing, including roles as: - Copyright Capturer and Copyright Supervisor at SAMRO - Administration & Copyright Manager at Mint African Operations - Legal Assistant at Mdakane Attorneys Inc. - Publishing Manager at Aquinas Media Publishing Her work has ranged from registering and modifying works and running royalty distributions for radio and online music, to managing foreign music usage, Content ID, manual claiming and catalog administration. She knows where money gets lost in the system and how to stop that from happening. Through her company Tee Fields Publishing, she focuses on copyright administration, licensing, royalties, artist support and catalog management, turning complex publishing and licensing concepts into language artists can actually understand. Chasing copyrights, cleaning up metadata, checking statements and fixing registrations looks like admin from the outside, but for her, it’s about making sure the system recognises and rewards the people who created the music. She’s open to collaborating with international publishers on African catalogues through sub‑publishing, co‑administration, catalog clean‑ups, royalty tracking and sync clearances, providing foreign publishers with a trusted local partner while ensuring African creators’ rights are properly handled. She’s here because she believes African creators deserve publishing partners who take their rights as seriously as they take their art. Connect with her today Business Tel: 0639773162 WhatsApp: 081 707 5708 Email: info@teefieldspublishing.co.za LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tshwanelo-m-ba1850108/

This edition highlights four seasoned professionals from the United States, France, Germany, and South Africa: Arron Gonzales (World Movement Enterprise, USA) – Global marketing & Connected TV strategy Xavier Collin (WTPL Music, France) – Music publishing, rights management & artist services Frank Otto (CHAMPIONSOUND, Germany) – Label founder, artist development & music marketing Vumani Ngema (South Africa) – Distribution, publishing & cross-sector entertainment strategy

Nkanyiso Mtshali, known as Brillante, comes from Ntuzuma in KwaZulu‑Natal and has been involved in the arts since he was a child. He started out in school doing traditional dance, drama and poetry, later recording his poem Uyena Lo in 2010 under his real name, which many people still recognise today. His background includes hip hop, poetry, acting, choreography, filmmaking & writing and he has always approached creativity with curiosity rather than ego. He learns quickly, applies what he learns immediately, and stays grounded through the process. His work naturally expanded into branding because he has an unusual ability to look at an idea and see how it can work across different industries, products or platforms. This thinking led to Brillante Brands and the wider Brillante Worldwide identity, which reflect his interest in both creativity and business. He is someone who connects easily with people, networks with intention and creates relationships that become part of his work. Alongside the music and brand direction, he is involved in community and festival work, including the Ink Arts Festival. Today, he also serves as the KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Representative for Music2Deal, where he uses his industry awareness, his networking skills and his practical mindset to help artists connect with real opportunities and grow their careers in a professional way. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brillanteworldwide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brillanteworldwide YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brillantebrands4799 WhatsApp: +2768 053 2536 Email: brillantebrandsceo@gmail.com/ nkanyiso.zulu@music2deal.com

If you spend a few minutes speaking with Kagiso Mokgari, better known as DJ Xtee, it becomes clear how much of his story is rooted in Tembisa. He grew up surrounded by church music, street sounds, neighbourhood gatherings and the mix of energy that comes with township life. Music wasn’t something formal in the home, but it was always around him. At school he gravitated towards anything creative. Drama, choir, poetry and music gave him space to experiment and build confidence. Teachers and choir leaders were some of the first people who recognised his talent and encouraged him to take it seriously. Seeing local DJs and musicians in his community also gave him a sense of what was possible. He remembers school performances clearly because that was where he first understood how people responded to him. The way an audience reacted made him feel connected without having to explain anything. Later, when he started making his own beats on production software, he recognised that same feeling and realised music was more than just an interest. Over the years, his environment shaped his sound. Tembisa exposed him to house, hip hop, jazz, gospel and many other styles. That mix still shows up in his music today. He works across deep house, soulful house, tribal, broken beat, electronica and anything that allows him to translate emotion into sound. He describes his style as layered, atmospheric and rooted in African identity, with themes influenced by experiences in his community and work with young people. His technical journey started around 2004 and eventually included learning the keyboard, DJ equipment and music software. Studying IT, sound engineering and business helped him professionalise his work and run Deep Fam Records with structure and clarity. Collaboration has played a big role in his career. He has worked with artists such as Lemogang Mahlangu, Tacboy of the ET Boys in Florida USA and Grammy Nominee Jazz legend of Liquid Soul Chicago, as well as international labels including Piratebrain Records, AudioBites Records and WakeUp Music Group LLC. These projects broadened his audience and helped him grow creatively. Outside the studio, he works with the non‑profit Safe A Boy Child, where he focuses on youth empowerment through art. This work connects back to many of the themes listeners hear in his music. Today, he represents Music2Deal in the North-West Province, where he helps artists access new opportunities, improve their professionalism and connect with both local and international networks. He continues to produce, collaborate and build on the foundation he has created over the years. Looking ahead, he hopes to inspire young people, strengthen his label and play a role in building South African electronic music on a larger scale. X https://x.com/Djxtee Facebook Deepfam Records https://www.facebook.com/deepfamrecords DJ Xtee https://www.facebook.com/Djxtee Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dj_xtee Artist Releases https://wakeupmusicgroup.com/artist-releases/dj-xtee/

As a Brand Ambassador, you’ll: ✅ Represent Music2Deal in your local area ✅ Help recruit music professionals and promote the platform ✅ Assist your Provincial Representative with outreach and engagement ✅ Share updates and opportunities on social media and at local events What’s in it for you? Visibility & Networking: Get featured on Music2Deal and connect with industry professionals worldwide. Exclusive Benefits: Access to promotional tools, training and support from your Provincial Rep and Music2Deal HQ. Growth Opportunities: Build your profile and gain experience that can lead to higher roles within Music2Deal. Requirements: Active in the music industry (artist, producer, manager, promoter etc.) Strong local network and social media presence Willingness to attend music events and promote Music2Deal Ability to work independently and meet agreed targets Interested? Reply with your name, location and a short note about your music background. We’ll connect you with your local Provincial Rep and get you started!

Music2Deal South Africa is expanding its national footprint and we are seeking well-connected, respected music professionals in Western Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo to act as Provincial Representatives. Ideal candidates are active and influential in their local music scenes, digitally savvy, business-minded and capable of recruiting music professionals, building partnerships and promoting Music2Deal while enjoying commissions, visibility and growth opportunities through our platform and MSOP ownership programme.

Bassline is a long‑standing force in South Africa’s live‑music ecosystem. They run professional training, real‑stage programmes and industry‑exposure platforms that prepare emerging talent for the actual demands of the music business. Bassline's Music Labs are a structured, professional development programme built for artists who want to treat their careers like a business. It’s where you learn the systems behind licensing, branding, stage craft, collaboration and industry navigation. The Labs are designed to build competence and connect you with the people who can actually move your career forward. If you want a seat in South Africa’s most serious music development space, move now. Bassline’s Music Labs applications close 15 February 2026. They’re selecting proactive, Joburg‑based emerging professionals who want real‑world training in event management, concert promotion, stage & backstage operations, marketing, technical production and the live‑music ecosystem. So, if you fit that profile, this is your window - click and apply.

The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) returns on 22–23 May 2026 at the historic Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Over the years, ARMC has become a trusted meeting point for artists, managers, producers and music professionals who care about the future of African Music as a meaningful business. The conference brings together a focused group of local and international delegates who are genuinely invested in collaboration, development and sustainable growth. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking for guidance or an industry professional exploring new markets, ARMC creates a space where real conversations can happen. Attendees can expect: Keynotes and discussions led by influential voices across Africa and the world. Workshops and practical sessions that dive into artist development, publishing, digital strategy, rights and new technologies shaping the industry. Showcase performances designed for discovery, where rising artists can perform directly for bookers, A&Rs and decision‑makers. Genre spotlights and cultural conversations that highlight the sounds driving Africa’s next wave. ARMC has become one of the places where careers, collaborations and opportunities start. It’s a platform built on ACCESS — access to knowledge, to industry networks, to visibility and to new pathways for growth. If you want to grow, connect, learn, or simply understand the wider music ecosystem you’re working in, ARMC 2026 is the place to be. Tickets are available now:

We’re expanding our worldwide network of country representatives and are looking for an official, territory-exclusive Music2Deal Representative for Brazil. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please connect us.

“A Winter’s Tale” is a melancholic rock track in English, released in 2025 by Chris Picton. The song blends rock instrumentation with strong, melodic female vocals, creating an emotional love-song atmosphere that feels both powerful and moving. With a mid-tempo pace and a clear, memorable melody, it’s a great fit for scenes that need warmth, nostalgia, or dramatic emotional depth. Use cases: commercial compilation, film, gaming Master track: available

A new internal Music2Deal group is now available: Music Equipment. This members-only space was created by Volkan Gücer and is meant for discussions around music and recording instruments, gear, and related technical topics. For example: you have a synthesizer module that is no longer supported by your software or system? Connect with others who may have the same issue and share experience, solutions, driver files, patch files, workflows, and tips. Volkan is also the founder of MUZIKAL Productions & Entertainment (Cologne), working across music recording and production.

This January Spotlight features four active Needs from Music2Deal members — all open for direct pitches via the platform. Spaghetti Music Publishing (Australia) – Licensing Opportunities Seeking select artists and songwriters to develop international-standard recordings suitable for film, TV, documentaries, and commercial licensing. Producer-led, broadcast-ready masters with clear commercial intent (commissioned/artist-funded productions). Ninenote Music / Aminoto Kosin (Indonesia) – Artists, Songwriters & Producers A new boutique label (Pop) expanding internationally and looking for artists, songwriters, and producers, including connections across multiple territories as they build their roster. Lavina Music Holding / Polina Klim (Ukraine) – Publishing & Direct Distribution Publishing house seeking high-quality music from artists, authors, and rights holders, offering direct publishing and distribution partnerships with major platforms, plus content monitoring and rights support. Volkan Gücer / MUZIKAL PRODUCTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT (Germany) – Hip-Hop/Rap Collaboration A Cologne-based production team seeking a hip-hop/rap solo artist with significant listeners for a single/duet collaboration, supported by a full production pipeline (audio + video). To review all four Needs and pitch directly, visit the full blog feature: