Women are still missing from the music industry, especially behind the scenes. This women’s month, we celebrate 5 leading ladies who are creating powerful legacies – setting them apart from the rest!
When it comes to the music industry, it’s a tale as old as time: Men lead the race and women remain underrepresented – receiving fewer opportunities to work in the space (whether it is front and centre on stage or behind the curtain). This is why it is so important to shine a light on the local women making an impact on the music scene. From music events and label executives, to producers and marketers, we’re taking a look at women who are calling the shots and pulling the strings behind the scenes.
JADE KELLY WILSON | Founder of Breakroom Africa & Label Manager at Exodus Africa
As the Founder and Editor at breakroomafrica.com, Jade Kelly Wilson remains committed to maintaining a unique platform that is geared towards giving recognition to emerging talent in Africa. Aside from working at Breakroom Africa, Jade also takes on Head Of Digital for Africa Creative Agency, as well as being a music executive at Exodus Africa. She is well on her way to mastering the business of entertainment, having networked with major partners, working with highly influential clients in film and TV, music, publishing, content creation, and even live events. Just a few months ago, Jade was invited to speak at the Africa Rising Music Conference, where she inspired and educated other women on how to support emerging artists across the continent. This year, Jade also obtained her first Netflix SA credit as one of the incredible music coordinators behind the Savage Beauty series.
ZETHU GQOLA | Marketing Strategist for Platoon – A global music distribution hub
Zethu Gqola has made quite an impact on the local marketing landscape. She was previously the Head of Marketing for Steyn Entertainment, taking charge of all marketing, PR and social media tasks for Rocking the Daisies. Zethu is a hard-working woman who knows exactly how to juggle, side-hustle and problem-solve like a pro. She knows all about getting people interested in events and selling tickets. ‘I guess I’m a textbook example of climbing that damned ladder and kicking off those at the top,’ she once joked in an interview. ‘As a person of colour, I struggled to get into this industry!’ She also happens to be an advocate for people of colour and women’s empowerment, being one of the very few black women working on the local festival scene.
JODIE TABISHER | Cotton Fest Artist Director / Road Manager for various SA acts
The ultimate entertainment specialist, Jodie Tabisher has experienced music and culture on a whole other level. From working as a music manager (previously a culture project manager, too), to being the Cotton Fest 2022 Artist Manager, this empowered young woman has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nasty C, Nadia Nakai, Moonchild Sanelly, Candice Modiselle, and so many more A-list celebrities and artists. This year, the annual event in Newtown, Johannesburg, hosted more than 130 different artists who performed over two nights – a great way to honour the late Riky Rick who was the original creator of the event.
JADE LEAF | Regional Director for Southern & West Africa & previous Head of Tunecore Africa Music Marketing
Durban-born boss babe Jade Leaf is a woman who is serious about marketing, with 10 years experience working on global youth culture brands across Africa. She is driven and enthusiastic about scaling business operations and global marketing initiatives for youth audiences, specifically across international teams. Her last role at TuneCore involved working with the world’s leading DIY distributor that assists multiple independent music creators with holding on to 100% of their revenue. ‘Music has always been a part of my life and how I’ve navigated through life,’ she said. Jade currently sits on the board for the Women in Music Business non-profit organisation and has been a South African Music Awards judge for the last four years, as well. Jade also previously worked her magic for Sony Music Entertainment and the award-winning MultiChoice Group.
KAY FAITH | DJ, artist, and leading female Producer from Cape Town
Your favourite rapper’s favourite producer, Karien ‘Kay Faith’ Barnard, is an award-winning engineer turned record producer. Having worked with some of the biggest hip-hop artists in the country, she has proven herself not only as Cape Town’s tastemaker, but as an important part of South Africa’s music scene. With each set she DJs, each classic she samples and each hit she creates, she shows us that we can draw inspiration from all corners of SA, and reminds us just how talented and unique our style locally is. ‘Being a woman in music I understand that I have a unique role in creating safe spaces for other women to enter studio spaces and create their music, and it’s something I take very seriously,’ she says.
Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Courtesy images
