Africans on Shesaid·so 2021 Alternative Power 100 Music list

The platform this year partnered with American membership service Patreaon to reveal the annual list. It is divided into 10 categories such as Artist & DJ, Artist Management, Events and Record Labels, among others. This year’s edition is themed The New Creative Economy, and focuses on the impending era ushering in the music industry.

The two artists musicians are in the Artist & DJ group.

“Currently setting the pace as the only female producer in South Africa’s amapiano scene and well-known for her flawless presence in studio and on stage, DBN GOGO has made her name from performing at Afropunk to Tshwanefontein and Ultra,” South African music journalist Shiba Mazaza said about nominating the DJ. “Her debut album Thokoza Café, created in tandem with DJ and producer Dinho, features some heavy-hitting basslines with carefully crafted tracks, one of which is the first ever Francophone amapiano track, ‘French Kiss’.

Born Lerato Kathi, Berlin-based, Soweto-native Lakuti has been making significant contributions in the queer and people of colour (POC) creative communities in London, South Africa, the US and more, highlighting themes of heritage, queerness, black history and political discourse to diverse audiences.

“We would love to be able to see and experience more from Lakuti with her getting the resources needed to keep on giving back to the cultural and ethical education of fellow music and culture lovers and creatives,” a statement reads.

Other Africans that appeared on the list include Nigerian singer Tems’ manager Muyiwa Awoniyi, Instagram Music strategic partner manager Tolu Ayeni, freelancer Yewande Adeniran, The Native magazine editor Tami Makinde, music producer DJ Gina Jeanz, sound engineer and vocal producer Rouhangeze Baichoo.

“Our list is full of inspirational change makers and future thinkers from across the world,” Shesaid·so said.

View the full list of the 2021 honorees here.