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/

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

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.

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.

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!

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:

The Music Imbizo returns to Durban from 26–29 August 2026, bringing together musicians, industry professionals, cultural practitioners and decision-makers for four days of learning, networking and collaboration. Now in its 18th year, The Music Imbizo has grown into one of Africa’s most influential platforms for music business, creativity, and cultural exchange. The Music Imbizo is more than a conference — it’s a hub for building relationships and accelerating opportunities. Every year, we open calls for speakers and musicians to ensure fresh voices, new ideas and diverse perspectives. With over 700 speakers from 60+ countries and hundreds of artists showcased since inception, the event continues to shape conversations that matter. What to Expect: Networking That Counts: Meet CEOs, label executives, festival directors, and senior decision-makers in an environment designed for collaboration. Learning & Insight: Panels, workshops, and keynotes on copyright, music marketing, technology, and global trends. Showcasing Talent: Live performances, listening sessions, and competitions for emerging and established artists. Cultural Exchange: Explore how African music influences global trends through discussions, performances, and film screenings. Business Development: Practical tools for monetising music, navigating intellectual property, and building sustainable careers. Theme for 2026 “Toward a Sacred Economy of Sound – Building the Systems for a Conscious Music Industry” As technology reshapes creativity, this year’s theme calls for balance between innovation and ethics, automation and artistry — ensuring music remains sacred in a digital age. Why Attend? The Music Imbizo is Africa’s most important music business gathering, offering unmatched opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or industry leader, this is where ideas turn into action. Apply Now Speakers: Share insights and shape the future of music. Musicians: Showcase your talent and connect with industry decision-makers. Event Details Durban, South Africa 26–29 August 2026 Global delegates, African creativity, real business opportunities.

Archrose Music Publishers, based in Durban, South Africa, is a growing independent player in music publishing and film administration. Founded in 2016, Archrose specialises in music publishing, catalogue management, licensing and digital distribution, helping artists and filmmakers protect their rights and maximise revenue opportunities. Archrose Expertise: • Distribution of music and film content across digital platforms. • Management and protection of music and film rights. • Provision of licensing solutions and catalogue administration. • Supporting creators in navigating copyright and royalty processes. Genres & Activities • Specialisation: Music and Film Distribution, Music Administration and Publishing • Genres: House, Alternative, Gospel & Religious, Pop, Hip-Hop, Dance/Electronica. Industry Footprint: Archrose has achieved music placements with MTN, Netflix & ETV and include recognition from SAMA and Metro FM Awards. Archrose actively participates in industry events such as Ukhozi Business Indaba and Durban Film Mart and engages with creators through initiatives like the Sludge Underground podcast. Other notable achievements include: • Sony Pictures collaboration (April 2025) • Curated music collections (Limited Collection 2025 & 2030) • Gcwalisa 2023 Gold Plaque Collaborations: As a company, Archrose has worked with leading artists such as Ntencane, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Sanele Mkhize & Static Que and has partnered with major companies including CCA, Electromode, Sony, Africori, Orchard and MTN. Leadership & Industry Roles: Founder Vumani Ngema brings over a decade of experience in music publishing and supervision. He also serves as a Committee Member for the South African Music Awards (2021–2025) and has previously worked as Music Supervisor at Purenblack Entertainment. His involvement as member at KwaZulu Natal United Music Industry Association (Kumisa) reflects his commitment to industry development. Supported by Nothando Msomi (Marketing Director) and Thobeka Molefe (Legal Consultant), Archrose combines creative, legal and marketing expertise. Future Direction: Archrose aims to expand film distribution on streaming platforms and increase music sales globally, strengthening its role as a trusted partner for creatives. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archrose_admin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vumani-vee-a9801b90/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Archrose_admin

As announced, Music2Deal is now operating under Music2Deal Networks UG (haftungsbeschränkt). You don’t need to do anything — accounts, logins, memberships and platform access remain unchanged. You may simply notice updated legal details (imprint) and that invoices/transaction descriptors now reference Music2Deal Networks UG. If you have questions regarding billing or legal details, please contact us at support@music2deal.com.

In our latest blog article, we spotlight four Music2Deal members actively shaping the international music business through publishing, artist management, legal expertise, and corporate music solutions. This edition features professionals from Ukraine, Portugal, the United States, and Malaysia: Polina Klim (Lavina Music Holding, Ukraine) – Publishing, rights management, digital aggregation Maurizio Clemente (Ritmo Fulcral, Portugal) – Artist management, A&R, electronic music Life D. Griffith (High End Music Partners, USA) – Legal strategy, digital transformation Serene Cheam (Musicpreneur, Malaysia) – Sonic branding, jingles, corporate music services → Read the full blog article:

Happy Holidays from the Music2Deal team! As the year comes to an end, we want to say a big thank you to everyone who is building real connections and sharing real music opportunities on Music2Deal. Your activity is what makes the platform move forward. This year, we passed 18,000+ members, saw growing traffic, and strengthened our international representative network — clear signs that the community is heading in the right direction. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season, a strong start into the new year, and plenty of great deals ahead. Cheers! Mario Christiani, Founder-CEO

Music2Deal is entering its next chapter. From January 1, 2026, the business will operate under Music2Deal Networks UG (haftungsbeschränkt), with the assets and operations transitioning from Music2Deal e.K. For you as a member, the mission stays the same: connect around real music opportunities and turn more contacts into deals. What improves is what’s behind the scenes — clearer structures, stronger scalability, and a more professional foundation for international growth and future partnerships.

The inaugural Worship Praise Unplugged: Funfair and Honors event was held from December 4th to 7th at the Perez Dome in Dzorwulu, Accra. The highlight of the event occurred on December 5th, with a mission to celebrate and honor Gospel music legends who have dedicated over two decades of service to the Church. This year's honorees were Cindy Thompson and Diana Hopeson (formerly Diana Akiwumi), with Diana Hopeson ultimately being recognized as the winner. According to the Events Manager and Head of Operations of Perez Events 360, the program's organizer, attendees were moved to dance and praise throughout the event. He noted that the performers thoroughly captivated the audience. The legends were presented with cash prizes and products from the event's sponsors.

We’re happy to announce and welcome David Potvin as our new exclusive Music2Deal Representative for France. David is the founder of Trepan Records and brings a strong hands-on mindset: in the music business, the right connections can lead to the next collaboration, release, or deal. That’s exactly where Music2Deal fits in — helping artists, producers, labels, and music professionals connect around real music opportunities. As our Rep for France, David will support French members, help onboard new professionals, and strengthen the bridge between the French music scene and our global Music2Deal community.

Each song blends strong rhythmic grooves, catchy hooks, and melodic storytelling, making the music both unique and highly adaptable. Influenced by R’n’B, Soul, and Pop, with touches of Rock, Country, Jazz, and Funk, these tracks cross genres while maintaining a consistent emotional pulse. Refined over nearly four decades, my work captures an authentic energy that resonates with audiences — music that inspires, connects, and stays with you. Perfect for creative professionals looking for sync-ready songs with character and heart.

We are happy to share that another real-world success story has emerged from connections made on Music2Deal. Long-time Music2Deal member and East Africa Representative John Katana connected with ORDIOR founder and CEO Damien Reilly via the platform. From this initial contact, Them Mushrooms went on to sign with ORDIOR, Blue Pie Records and Blue Pie Publishing, opening up a new chapter for the band’s international activities. This is the first part of a short series in which we will share more details about this success story, including a mini-documentary, concrete achievements after the deal and a personal testimonial from John about his Music2Deal experience.

In this edition, we highlight four Music Offers currently available on Music2Deal – two bands looking for industry connections and two tracks ready for licensing. SUIT (Argentina) – Pop A pop band performing continuously since 2018, delivering original material and covers for live and studio productions. Steve Phillips (UK) – Pop Track A melancholic mid-tempo pop track, “Left Behind” (2025), PRS-registered, not yet licensed, suitable for film, compilations, or commercial use. Tom Civic (USA/Germany) – Dance “Give Me a Break” is an energetic 2025 dance/electronica track with uplifting male vocals – ideal for commercial use, film, gaming, compilations, or ringtones. Sonic Surf City (Sweden) – Punk / Rock A Swedish punk/alternative band blending Ramones-like energy with Beach Boys-style melodies. Returning with a new album and Japan tour. To explore all four offers, listen to the music, and contact the creators directly, visit:

We’re pleased to welcome Ersin Ersavas to the Music2Deal family as our new Representative for Turkey. Based in Istanbul, Ersin has built a remarkable career as a producer, music entrepreneur, and industry professional, working with numerous artists and managing creative projects across genres. His expertise covers music production, artist management, live performance coordination, and creative business development within Turkey’s vibrant music ecosystem. With years of international collaboration experience, Ersin has worked on projects connecting Turkish artists and professionals with the global music market. In his new role, Ersin will help expand Music2Deal’s presence in Turkey, fostering connections between local talent and international opportunities through the global Music2Deal network. → Connect with Ersin on Music2Deal:

In the latest edition of our “4 Music Pros You Should Know” series, we spotlight four outstanding professionals from across the globe — all active on Music2Deal and open to collaboration. This November’s featured members include: Lasse de Flon (SXR Music Group, Denmark) – Independent publisher and label executive with wide-ranging experience in A&R, catalog management, and music releases. Jérôme Cosniam (Lalouline Publishing, France) – Publisher focused on sub-publishing in France, sync licensing, and international catalog representation. Michal “ROSA” Rosicki (RED PRODUCERS, Poland) – Producer, engineer, and creative lead known for long-standing work in songwriting, recording, and live production. Frank Greenfield (The Family of Funk, USA) – Artist, guitarist, and producer whose career spans major label releases and film/TV placements. → Read the full spotlight on the Music2Deal Blog:

In this exclusive Music2Deal Blog interview, Przemysław Zwias – producer, musician, and A&R specialist – talks about his background in the music industry and his role as Music2Deal Representative for Poland & Ukraine. With a career spanning production, mixing, mastering, and artist development, Przemysław has worked with artists across genres and countries. He explains how years of cross-border collaborations have helped him understand the challenges and opportunities for musicians and professionals in today’s fast-changing industry. In the interview, Przemysław also shares his plans for strengthening international connections and supporting local talent through Music2Deal, helping professionals from Poland and Ukraine gain greater visibility in the global market. → Read the full interview on the Music2Deal Blog:

Ole Cliff is a celebrated, award-winning singer-songwriter from South Africa whose artistry continues to captivate audiences across generations. His debut single, “My Baas,” burst onto the scene in 1994 to widespread acclaim and critical praise. Born Clifford Mokhuane, his passion for music was ignited as a young boy. Though he stepped away from his musical journey for a time, he re-emerged two years ago with renewed passion and zest. Hailing from the culturally rich heart of Mangaung (Bloemfontein) in the Free State, Ole Cliff blends elements of Jazz, Afro-Soul, Dance and Gospel into a sound that is uniquely his own. His musical influences span R&B, Country, Pop, Reggae and traditional African music. Now, Ole Cliff is once again poised to enrich South Africa’s musical landscape with a new collection of powerful and heartfelt compositions. He has recently released four new singles, including the deeply anticipated “Lerato ke ntho e kgolo”—a song that has been nurtured over three decades since the success of “My Baas.” Like a well-matured wine whose time has come, this track reflects the depth of his artistic evolution. “Lerato ke ntho e kgolo” translates to “Love is a Big Thing in God’s Kingdom.” Rooted in the profound truth that love holds great significance in God’s realm, the song delivers an uplifting message at a time when it’s sorely needed. With an infectious beat that’s hard to resist, it seeks to restore love to its rightful place in a world overwhelmed by anger and despair. This soulful mastery continues with the release of “Shine Africa Shine,” a track that weaves together threads of hip hop, gospel, Afropop, R&B, and Afro-soul, offering listeners a stirring and thought-provoking experience that remains deeply entertaining. A true polymath, Ole’s talents stretch far beyond the recording studio. When he’s not composing or performing, he operates a successful private practice as a registered accountant and tax professional. He also channels his creative flair into designing and crafting elegant household ornaments and functional pieces, showcasing yet another layer of his boundless ingenuity. Ole Cliff sees his art as a mission—to be a beacon of hope, love, joy and courage in a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and struggle. His work continues to uplift, inspire and connect people through the transformative power of music. A rare-skilled and multi-talented master-crafter, Ole Cliff is a national treasure and a source of pride to his fans. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Ole_Clif/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpsDrg6E2OmNjQRoUw3tow Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OleClif Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/ole-cliff

We’re pleased to welcome Przemysław Zwias to the Music2Deal family as our new Representative for Poland and Ukraine. Based in Poland, Przemysław has built an impressive career as a producer, recording musician, and A&R specialist, contributing to numerous albums and collaborating with artists across genres. His broad expertise spans production, mixing, mastering, and artist development, as well as talent scouting and creative coordination on international projects. In recent years, he has led an international music initiative, coordinating productions and partnerships between artists and professionals from around the world. In his new role, Przemysław will help connect artists and professionals from Poland and Ukraine to international opportunities through the global Music2Deal network. → Connect with Przemysław on Music2Deal: