The post Benza Breaks Down the Business of Music for Aspiring Artists appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Benza, the man behind Vth Season, has a knack for spotting talent and shaping careers. Having worked across continents, he sees music not just as an art, but as a powerful industry with the ability to change lives. In conversation, he shared his thoughts on what it takes for artists to rise in Africa today.
“Music is the soul’s language,” he says. “It’s a whisper of your deepest thoughts, food for the mind, body, and spirit. Music reflects culture. It moves the body, stirs emotions, and shifts perspectives. And yes, it’s a commodity, a powerful one.” For Benza, being an artist isn’t just about creating; it’s about understanding the business around it. “You’ve got to pour your soul into it, but also respect it as a craft you can build a life on.”
He’s seen the power of music across history. From African griots to today’s Afrobeats and Amapiano, music has always been a driver of culture and wealth. “Music is growing faster than ever. It’s projected to match sports in the next decade or so. Listen to football chants, NBA halftime shows, or US football. Music carries energy, it carries communities, it carries economies.” The numbers back it up: Africa’s music market grew 22.6% year-on-year in 2023, making it the fastest-growing market in the world.
Benza has also been a key player behind some of the continent’s biggest names. His work with AKA is a prime example. Benza’s work with AKA went beyond just releasing hit songs. He focused on building a full-fledged brand, carefully crafting visuals, social strategy, live shows, and fan engagement to turn AKA into an icon, not just a rapper. The approach highlights an important lesson for every artist: creating great music is essential, but developing a strong, strategic brand is just as crucial.
He’s passionate about education and mentorship in music. “Too many artists don’t know their rights. Too many miss out on international royalties. At Vth Season, we’re planning to train 500 music industry practitioners across Africa next year through production camps, songwriting bootcamps, publishing courses, and label services. Artists need real skills, catalogs they own, and networks that open doors, not just hope for a deal.”
Collaboration is another piece of the puzzle. Benza has long been a Pan-Africanist, pushing for cross-continental creation. “When a Botswana artist writes with an Ethiopian singer and a Zimbabwean vocalist in a South African studio, it’s more than music. You’re building a Pan-African music economy. It makes better music, reaches more people, and opens up more opportunities.”
His advice to the next generation of artists is simple: be passionate, learn the business, and collaborate. Music is more than entertainment. It’s influence, culture, and economic power. For those willing to put in the work, Africa is no longer just a source of talent. It’s the hub of the global music future. And Benza is at the forefront of making it happen.
The post Benza Breaks Down the Business of Music for Aspiring Artists appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
The post Benza Breaks Down the Business of Music for Aspiring Artists appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Benza, the man behind Vth Season, has a knack for spotting talent and shaping careers. Having worked across continents, he sees music not just as an art, but as a powerful industry with the ability to change lives. In conversation, he shared his thoughts on what it takes for artists to rise in Africa today. …
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